# Elucidating the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of How Regulatory T cells in Skin Regulate Fibroblast Activation and Tissue Fibrosis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2021 · $338,239

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a major role in establishing and maintaining immune homeostasis. However, an emerging
body of work suggests that these cells have `specialized' functions in tissues in addition to their role as immune regulatory
cells. We have discovered that Tregs in skin play a critical role in regulating fibroblast activation and dermal fibrosis in
both mouse and humanized mouse models. In addition, we have generated a novel protein that selectively activates Tregs
in vivo. The underlying theme of this proposal is to functionally dissect the dominant cellular and molecular
mechanisms utilized by Tregs in skin to influence fibroblast function. We will also discern whether in vivo activation
of Tregs results in a diminution of skin fibrosis. The experiments outlined herein represent a conceptually and technically
innovative, systematic approach to better understand how Tregs influence the biology of skin fibroblasts. In doing so, we
will undercover a critical mechanistic link between two skin-resident cell populations with clear and evident impact on
tissue function. Our results may have direct implications for wound healing and/or chronic fibrosing diseases, with the
possibility of uncovering a new therapeutic strategy for these conditions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10165504
- **Project number:** 5R01AR071944-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael David Rosenblum
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $338,239
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10165504

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10165504, Elucidating the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of How Regulatory T cells in Skin Regulate Fibroblast Activation and Tissue Fibrosis (5R01AR071944-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10165504. Licensed CC0.

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