How airway T cells may stop respiratory viruses from spreading
Exploring the role of T cells in protection from respiratory virus transmission
This project looks at whether special immune cells in the nose and lungs called tissue-resident T cells can quickly block respiratory viruses from spreading and so help people avoid getting or passing on infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269194 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse and guinea pig models to study tissue-resident memory T cells that live in the airways. They will produce these cells by intranasal infection or vaccination and then use natural transmission models to see which T cell subsets stop viruses from spreading. The team will map the cell-intrinsic antiviral mechanisms and how these T cells communicate with airway epithelial cells to prevent viral propagation. Results are intended to inform design of vaccines or nasal therapies to boost airway immunity against influenza, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for respiratory viral infections (for example, influenza or COVID-19) are the long-term beneficiaries, although this project is preclinical and does not enroll patients directly.
Not a fit: Individuals seeking an immediate clinical treatment or those not exposed to respiratory viruses are unlikely to gain direct, short-term benefit from this laboratory-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide vaccines or nasal treatments that reduce the chance of catching or transmitting respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown airway tissue-resident T cells can limit disease and reduce transmission, but applying these findings to human vaccines and therapies remains early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kohlmeier, Jacob E — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kohlmeier, Jacob E
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 below.