How memory T cells stay and protect your body tissues
Regulation of T cell memory in tissue immunity
This research explores how CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells are controlled so they can better protect people from infections and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231279 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists use gene-editing screens in cells and animal models to find the molecules and metabolic signals that tell CD8+ T cells to stay in specific tissues as long-lived defenders. They discovered nutrient-sensitive lysosomal signals (Flcn, Rag GTPases, and Ragulator) that block tissue-resident memory (TRM) formation and showed that lowering these signals or certain amino acids activates the TFEB switch to promote TRM development. Removing Flcn strengthened protective TRM responses against gut infections in their models, and they identified mitochondrial enzymes Me3 and Acss1 as important for metabolic adaptation. The team is mapping how organelle communication and signals like retinoic acid and TGF-beta guide T cells to reside in tissues, aiming to inform new immune-boosting approaches for infections and cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurring infections or cancers that involve CD8+ T cell responses would be the most relevant group for future clinical approaches stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve T cell immunity or who lack functional T cells due to severe immune deficiency are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost protective tissue-resident T cells to prevent or treat infections and some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that altering metabolic or lysosomal pathways can increase TRM numbers and improve protection, but applying these findings to humans is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chi, Hongbo — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chi, Hongbo
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.