How cells' protein-cleanup system affects T cell balance and immune memory
The role for ER associated degradation (ERAD) in T cell homeostasis and memory
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11290854
This project looks at whether a protein quality-control system inside immune cells helps CD8+ T cells stay healthy and long-lived so they can better fight infections and cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290854 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is using genetically engineered mice that lack a key ERAD component called Sel1L in T cells to see how protein cleanup affects CD8+ T cell survival, resting state, and memory formation. They will track antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, measure signs of cell stress and death, and test responses after exposure to infections or antigens. Laboratory assays will examine protein handling pathways, cell metabolism, and immune function to link molecular defects to T cell behavior. The goal is to reveal whether changing protein quality-control pathways could improve how well CD8+ T cells persist after infection or immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic viral infections or cancer, where stronger CD8+ T cell responses could help control disease, would be the most likely later candidates to benefit from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions not driven by CD8+ T cell activity or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If findings translate to people, they could point to new strategies to strengthen CD8+ T cell survival and long-lived immune memory to improve vaccines and cancer immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies of the unfolded protein response have linked protein quality control to immune cell function, but the specific role of ERAD and Sel1L in CD8+ T cell fate is largely new and not yet tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CARTY, SHANNON A. — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: CARTY, SHANNON A.
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.