How allergic inflammation affects immune protection against infections
Effect of Th2-type microenvironment on CD8 TRM-mediated protection from infection
This study is looking at how allergies, especially skin conditions like eczema, affect your immune system's ability to fight off viruses, focusing on a special type of immune cell that helps protect you quickly; it hopes to find ways to improve your immune response if you have these allergies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11065486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how allergic conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis, impact the immune system's ability to fight off viral infections. It focuses on a specific type of immune cell, known as tissue resident memory CD8+ T cells (TRM), which are crucial for rapid defense against pathogens. The study will explore how the presence of certain cytokines, like IL-4, alters the behavior and effectiveness of these immune cells in both mouse models and human samples. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to enhance immune responses in affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis who are at risk for recurrent viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients without atopic dermatitis or those not experiencing significant allergic reactions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with atopic dermatitis, reducing their risk of severe viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune cell behavior in allergic conditions can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bromley, Shannon K — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bromley, Shannon K
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.