Enhancing CD8 T cell responses against viruses
Official title: Mobilizing TAP-independent CD8 T cells through non-canonical cross-presentation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11001932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help your immune system's CD8 T cells, which are important for fighting off viral infections, by finding out how certain immune cells can still show these T cells what to attack, even when viruses try to block the usual process; the goal is to discover better vaccines or treatments for viral infections that could help you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 5, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $656,593 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170897-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic viral infections or those at risk of viral diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or those who do not have a functioning immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to activate CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting viral infections, by using a method that bypasses a common block in the immune response. It focuses on understanding how certain immune cells can present viral peptides to CD8 T cells even when the usual pathway is disrupted by viruses. The approach involves studying the mechanisms of cross-presentation, where immune cells can load MHC-I molecules with viral peptides from infected cells, thereby priming a robust immune response. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved vaccines or therapies for viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against viral infections, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through similar cross-presentation techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blander, Julie Magarian — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Blander, Julie Magarian
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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.