Dendritic cell targets to boost T cell vaccines for HIV and other infections
Official title: Functional characterization of dendritic cell heterogeneity for T cell-inducing immunotherapies
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11436857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how different dendritic cells can be targeted to better activate T cells and improve vaccines against HIV and other intracellular infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $552,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI201038-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11436857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS or other intracellular infections, who may benefit from future T cell–inducing vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not yet eligible for vaccines or those not involved in immunotherapy research may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the two main types of dendritic cells influence the body's T cell responses, which are crucial for fighting viruses like HIV. By studying a mouse model that lacks a specific dendritic cell type, researchers hope to uncover how to design vaccines that elicit strong cytotoxic T cell activity. The goal is to develop vaccine strategies that create lasting T cell responses capable of controlling intracellular pathogens. If successful, these insights could inform new human vaccines and immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to vaccines that stimulate stronger and longer-lasting T cell responses against HIV and other intracellular pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows dendritic cells can shape T cell responses, with some models suggesting enhanced antiviral activity when targeting DC subsets.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Tiantian — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Liu, Tiantian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.