How memory CD8 T cells are controlled
Regulation of memory CD8 T cell development
['FUNDING_R01'] · SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES · NIH-11261236
Researchers are learning how protein complexes that reshape DNA packaging help CD8 T cells become long-lived memory cells so vaccines and immunotherapies can protect people better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261236 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is studying how chromatin-remodeling BAF complexes (like BRG1/BRM and ARID1A) open or close DNA regions that control whether CD8 T cells become durable memory cells or short-lived effectors. They will use cellular and animal models plus genomic tools to map which enhancers and genes change as T cells differentiate. The scientists will alter components of the BAF complex to see how those changes affect T cell survival, function, and ability to return on reinfection. The goal is to find molecular switches that could be targeted to create stronger, longer-lasting vaccine responses and T-cell therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to donate blood or tissue samples now or those who might later join vaccine or T-cell therapy trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate treatment or those with health issues unrelated to T-cell immunity are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to make vaccines and T-cell immunotherapies produce stronger and longer-lasting protection against infections and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show chromatin remodelers affect immune cell behavior, but using BAF complex manipulation specifically to steer long-lived CD8 memory is a relatively new and still developing approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES — La Jolla, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARGREAVES, DIANA CLARE — SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
- Study coordinator: HARGREAVES, DIANA CLARE
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.