How helper immune cells (Tfh) differ after infection and affect antibody memory
Functional Implications of Tfh Cell Heterogeneity after Infection
This work looks at how different types of T follicular helper (Tfh) immune cells after infection influence the antibody-making cells that protect you long-term.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248784 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that form during and after respiratory infections such as influenza or coronavirus. They will follow how these Tfh cell types direct B cells in germinal centers to become either long-lived antibody-producing cells or memory B cells that can reside in the lungs. The team will use laboratory models, tissue and blood samples, and detailed immune-cell analyses to map signals that control those B cell fate decisions. Their approach aims to identify biological targets vaccine developers could use to improve durable, lung-focused antibody protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who have had recent respiratory viral infections or volunteers willing to provide blood or respiratory samples for immune research.
Not a fit: People needing immediate treatment for an active infection or those with health issues unrelated to vaccine immune responses are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform vaccines that produce stronger and longer-lasting antibody protection in the lungs against flu and other respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows Tfh cells are important for antibody responses, but applying detailed Tfh heterogeneity to steer long-term lung memory is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Randall, Troy D — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Randall, Troy D
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.