How long plasma cells live after mucosal infections
Official title: Investigation of the rules dictating plasma cell longevity
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11431404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why some antibody-producing cells at mucosal surfaces stick around for years to protect against infections like flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $919,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201398-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11431404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk of airway infections or mucosal immune responses may contribute samples or participate in related follow-up studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without mucosal immune responses or those not providing samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at gut- and mucosal-immune structures to understand how long-lived plasma cells are formed and maintained, especially after viral infections. Using advanced sequencing and antibody measurements, it aims to map the signals that keep these cells alive in places like bone marrow and lamina propria. The results could guide better vaccines that create lasting protection against respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens. The study will involve human-relevant immune samples and state-of-the-art genomic techniques to uncover key longevity mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to vaccines that provide longer-lasting protection with fewer boosters.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that LLPCs can originate from germinal center reactions, but the exact mucosal signals that promote longevity are still being defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Carvalho, Renan Villanova Homem — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: De Carvalho, Renan Villanova Homem
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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.