Discovering how T cells recognize and protect against certain sexually transmitted infections.
Official title: Large-Scale T Cell Immune Epitope Discovery and Mechanisms of T Cell Protection
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11203530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system recognizes certain parts of sexually transmitted infections like herpes, syphilis, and chlamydia, by examining blood and tissue samples from people who have these infections, to help improve our understanding of how to fight them off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,116,758 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00055-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11203530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2, Treponema pallidum, or Chlamydia trachomatis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with the targeted sexually transmitted infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying specific T cell epitopes related to sexually transmitted infections, particularly herpes simplex viruses, syphilis, and chlamydia. By analyzing blood and tissue samples from infected individuals, the study aims to validate pairs of microbial peptide epitopes and HLA alleles that are crucial for T cell recognition. The research will also explore T cell receptor complexes that interact with these epitopes, enhancing our understanding of immune responses to these infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines or therapies for sexually transmitted infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying T cell responses to viral infections, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koelle, David — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Koelle, David
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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.