How memory B cells develop and protect us
Murine Memory B cell Development and Function
This project looks at how memory B cells form and work to help improve vaccines and understand autoimmune disease and aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323133 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use specially engineered mouse models and laboratory methods to make and track larger numbers of memory B cells, and they compare these memory cells to their naive precursors to see what changes. They use cell transfers and genetic tools in mice to test how different memory B cell subsets behave and when and where they form. The team also compares molecular, epigenetic, and surface-marker patterns between mouse and human memory B cells using blood or tissue samples. Findings aim to link basic cell mechanisms to outcomes relevant for vaccines, autoimmunity, and aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people who can donate blood or tissue samples—for example adults with autoimmune disease, older adults, or healthy volunteers—who can work with the University of Pittsburgh team.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly because this is laboratory and preclinical research focused on cellular mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide better vaccines and point to new targets for treating autoimmune diseases or age-related immune problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work has successfully identified memory B cell subsets and markers, but translating those findings into clinical treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shlomchik, Mark J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shlomchik, Mark J
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.