# Asymmetric cell division for fate commitment of human T cells

> **NIH NIH K08** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 2022 · $173,340

## Abstract

Project Abstract
Research: Asymmetric cell division is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that affords self-renewal,
differentiation and diversification of cell populations. It is unknown, however, if human T cells use this
mechanism to induce distinct daughter cell fates. The proposed research will test the hypothesis that
asymmetric cell division is an indispensable mechanism of human T cells to generate functionally distinct
daughter cells. The experiments will use a novel method of target-induced labeling of the immunological
synapse, multicolor flow cytometry, single cell RNA sequencing and metabolomic profiling to identify and
ultimately modulate cellular programs that support long- and short-lived progeny induction in both native and
genetically-engineered human T cells. A better understanding of cell division patterns will expand our
knowledge on human T cell differentiation, uncover factors promoting niche-specific T cell persistence, and
establish biology-driven principles and methods for optimization of T cell immunotherapy.
Candidate: Dr. Ellebrecht earned his MD from the University of Lubeck, Germany and will complete
Dermatology residency training at the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Dr. Ellebrecht is pursuing
postdoctoral training in Dr. Aimee Payne’s and Dr. Carl June’s laboratories at Penn. The 5-year career
development plan includes structured coursework and training in single cell transcriptional profiling,
bioinformatics, and metabolic profiling of human T cells from experienced mentors and collaborators, along
with professional career development activities, with the goal of establishing an independent, NIH-funded
research laboratory investigating fate induction and longevity of skin-resident and engineered T cells.
Environment: The mentors, Dr. Aimee Payne and Dr. Carl June, are renowned NIH-funded Penn investigators,
who provide unparalleled expertise in T cell biology, immunotherapy, metabolomics and single cell
characterization of human T cells in combination with an exceptional mentoring record including prior K08 and
K23 awardees. Dr. Ellebrecht’s focus on asymmetric cell division in skin resident T cells provides a clear path
to independence that sets him apart from Dr. Payne’s and Dr. June’s focus on translational immunotherapy.
Dr. Ellebrecht’s research and training will be supported by the Penn Dermatology Department, Center for
Cellular Immunotherapy and CHOP metabolomics core, providing state-of the-art core facilities for flow
cytometry, cell sorting, single cell sequencing, metabolomics, human skin xenografts and bioinformatics. Taken
together, his mentors, collaborators and access to these top-notch technologies will create an ideal
environment for Dr. Ellebrecht to thrive on his path towards becoming an independent physician scientist
leading efforts to characterize and modulate T cell populations responsible for chronic inflammatory skin
diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10349746
- **Project number:** 1K08AR080266-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Christoph Thomas Ellebrecht
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $173,340
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-04-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10349746

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10349746, Asymmetric cell division for fate commitment of human T cells (1K08AR080266-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10349746. Licensed CC0.

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