# Genetic determinants of "innate" T lymphocytes development and homeostasis

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2022 · $194,375

## Abstract

Project Summary
Innate
conventional
their
requirement
namely,
molecules,
the
uncertain.
systems,
polymorphism
mapping
resources
development
a
variation
using
T cells are a heterogeneous group of αβ and γδ T cells that respond much more r apidly than
T cells upon activation. This swiftness of response r eflects their acquisition of functionality during
development in the thymus. These innate T cells also share a non-MHC class I or II restriction
for antigen recognition. Three major populations within the innate T cell group are recognized,
the invariant NKT cells that recognize glycolipid antigens presented by non-polymorphic CD1d
the mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells t hat recognize vitamin metabolites presented by
non-polymorphic MR1 molecules, and the gamma delta T cells which antigen specificities remain
 Altogether, these innate T cells, acting as bridges between the innate and adaptive immune
contribute greatly to immune regulation and host protection. To appreciate the role that host
play in steady-state evelopment and homeostasis of innate T cells, we propose to use QTL
in the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred (DO) mice. These genetically diverse mouse
provide powerful experimental systems to test the ypothesis that variation in innate T cell
and homeostasis is genetically regulated and to map the source of the diversity. We will conduct
comprehensive screen of CC and DO strains for innate T cells to estimate the diversity resulting from genetic
(Aim 1). We will then identify genes that underlie variation in innate T cell development/homeostasis
QTL mapping (Aim 2).
d
h
Given their capacity to link key inflammatory axes of innate and adaptive
immunity, a better understanding of the molecular basis underpinning innate T cell development and plasticity,
and how much this feature accounts for their pathophysiological roles, is critical for developing novel
therapeutic approaches.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10412121
- **Project number:** 5R21AI152557-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Laurent Gapin
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $194,375
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-06-01 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10412121

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10412121, Genetic determinants of "innate" T lymphocytes development and homeostasis (5R21AI152557-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10412121. Licensed CC0.

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