How immune cells display influenza pieces to helper (CD4) T cells
Defining the four major routes of MHC class II antigen processing and presentation with influenza antigens
This work looks at four different ways cells prepare and show bits of the flu virus to helper immune cells to better understand responses in infections and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322692 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the four major routes by which antigen-presenting cells load flu-derived peptides onto MHC class II molecules and show them to CD4 helper T cells. They will compare the classical endosomal pathway with three non-classical routes: early-endosome recycling capture, endogenous cytoplasmic processing, and transfer of material from infected non-APCs. The team uses laboratory experiments with cells, proteins, and molecular tracking to follow where peptides come from and how they bind MHCII. From a patient perspective, this could explain why some people make stronger immune responses or develop autoimmunity and point toward ways to shape protective or safer immune reactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases, individuals interested in vaccine or immune-response research, or those willing to provide blood or tissue samples for immunology studies could be candidates for related participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this primarily laboratory-based mechanistic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform better vaccine designs and therapies that steer CD4 T cell responses and reduce harmful autoimmune activation.
How similar studies have performed: While classical antigen-presentation pathways are well described, the non-classical routes are less understood so this project builds on established methods but explores relatively novel mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Eisenlohr, Laurence Crane
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.