How age affects the exhaustion of immune cells in response to infections

Regulation of CD8+ T cell exhaustion by let-7/Lin28b in different stages of life

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-10979178

This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell, called CD8+ T cells, can get tired out during long-lasting infections and how this changes as we get older, with the goal of finding better ways to help our immune system fight off these infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-10979178 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how CD8+ T cells, a type of immune cell, become exhausted during chronic infections and how this process varies with age. The study focuses on understanding the developmental origins of these cells and their responses to prolonged antigen exposure. By comparing T cells from neonates and adults, the researchers aim to identify factors that influence T cell function and exhaustion. Innovative techniques will be employed to explore the role of specific proteins in this process, potentially leading to improved immunotherapy strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who are experiencing acute infections or are undergoing adoptive T cell therapies.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 21 years old or those not undergoing T cell-based therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies for infections and cancers by enhancing T cell function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of T cell exhaustion can lead to advancements in immunotherapy, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions acute infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.