This Project Grant award of $196,992 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (CFDA 93.855 - Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research) supports a 5-year research and career development plan for Dr. Gloria Yiu at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The goal is to investigate the role of the FOXP3 transcription factor in developing regulatory T cells (Tregs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a potential cellular therapy for autoimmune diseases.
The research plan includes three key aims: 1) Enhance endogenous FOXP3 expression in iPSCs and compare iPSC-derived Tregs to thymus-derived and peripheral blood Tregs; 2) Use CRISPR/Cas9 to link exogenous FOXP3 expression to endogenous T cell genes; and 3) Transduce iPSCs with T cell receptors to determine the impact on Treg fate and antigen-specific suppressive function. Dr. Yiu will be mentored by experts in stem cell biology and autoimmunity to gain new technical skills and support her development as an independent physician-scientist.