# The Role of Tufts Cells in Salivary Gland Immunity

> **NIH NIH K99** · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · 2024 · $100,878

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Tuft cells are rare cholinergic chemosensory epithelial cells capable of producing an unusual spectrum of
biological effector molecules, such as interleukins, eicosanoids and neurotransmitters. Previous studies have
shown that tuft cells are capable of triggering immune responses in different organs (e.g., intestine and airways)
via G protein-coupled receptor-dependent pathways, involving components of chemosensory transduction.
Although tuft cells have been detected in salivary glands, their functions in this organ are unknown. The aims of
this project are designed to utilize modern technologies to explore tuft cells biology in salivary gland epithelium
as well as their role in innate and adaptive immunity. The K99 phase proposes to (1) to investigate tuft cell
distribution and function in salivary gland epithelium through advanced microscopic techniques as well as in vivo
experiments; (2) to determine tuft cell chemosensory components in salivary gland epithelium using single cell
analysis; (3) to determine the effects of tuft cell on salivary gland innate immunity using tuft cell ablation in vivo
model. During this time the candidate will complete mentored training in molecular immunology and biology,
high-resolution microscopy, single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics as well as courses in
professional development. The independent R00 phase will investigate the role of tuft cells in salivary gland
adaptive immunity utilizing Sjögren’s syndrome-like mouse models and human specimens. Together, the new
generated information will allow a better understanding of tuft cell biology in salivary gland and allow therapeutic
targets for salivary gland diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10930834
- **Project number:** 5K99DE032363-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Harim Tavares Dos Santos
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $100,878
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-18 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10930834

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10930834, The Role of Tufts Cells in Salivary Gland Immunity (5K99DE032363-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10930834. Licensed CC0.

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