# Contribution of Innate-like Tregs for Preventing Tissue Inflammation

> **NIH NIH R01** · RBHS-ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $477,000

## Abstract

Summary
There are at least 49 members of the BTB-ZF gene family, which includes PLZF, BCL6, ThPOK, LRF and
others. Only a few have been studied in the context of immune system development or function. Expression of
the known BTB-ZF genes correlates with specific functions of the cells – in many ways, the BTB-ZF gene
actually defines the subset. Therefore, our lab has hypothesized that analysis of BTB-ZF gene expression at
the level of the single cell will result in the identification of new T cell subsets. What is clear is that
understanding the diversity of lymphocyte subsets defined by this gene family will have a profound impact on
our understanding of the overall complexity and function of the immune response. Indeed, the identification of
novel immune subsets, such as Th17 T cells, Tregs, Tfh cells, has proven over the last few years to have
major implications for vaccine development, cancer treatment and the management of autoimmune diseases.
In this application, we show that that a specific BTB-ZF family member defines a unique subset of CD4+ T cells
and a subset of Tregs. Through the use of genetically engineered mouse models we show that these cells
rapidly produce effector cytokines following stimulation. We also show that, analogous to NKT cells, these cells
have “pre-formed” cytokine message. The significance of this application lies in the definition of two novel T
cell subsets that we hypothesize play unique roles in immune homeostasis. In this application, using
genetically modified mice, adoptive cell transfers and disease models, we will study the functions of these cells
particularly when they are resident in specific tissues. We also will explore the interrelationships between the
cells in spleen, intestine and visceral fat.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9931131
- **Project number:** 5R01AI122757-05
- **Recipient organization:** RBHS-ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Derek B. Sant'Angelo
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $477,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-06-24 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9931131

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9931131, Contribution of Innate-like Tregs for Preventing Tissue Inflammation (5R01AI122757-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9931131. Licensed CC0.

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