Epigenetic programming of CD4+ T cell function during chronic viral infection
Official title: Epigenetic programing of CD4+ T cell proliferation, survival and function during chronic viral infection
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11384251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a specific type of immune cell called CD4+ T cells changes at the DNA level during long-lasting viral infections, with the aim of improving vaccines and therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $743,752 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182215-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with chronic viral infections or immune conditions where CD4+ T cell function is compromised, depending on future translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic viral infections or CD4+ T cell-related immune dysfunction may not directly benefit from this basic science grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at how chronic viral infection can reprogram CD4+ T cells through epigenetic changes, potentially altering their ability to multiply, survive, and fight viruses. By focusing on DNA methylation patterns at key genes, the study seeks to understand why these T cells become dysfunctional over time. The team uses a novel model to examine cell-intrinsic programming and the effects of Tet2 and Dnmt3a enzymes on maintaining T cell function. Outcomes could reveal targets to preserve or restore protective T cell responses in chronic infections. The work is designed to inform strategies that boost vaccine-induced protection and antiviral immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new ways to sustain healthy CD4+ T cell responses, strengthening immunity against chronic viral infections and informing better vaccines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links epigenetic changes to T cell function; this project builds on those findings with a novel model to probe mechanisms in CD4+ T cells.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hale, Jeffrey Scott — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Hale, Jeffrey Scott
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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.