How Nrf2 affects T cells during flu
The role of Nrf2 in T cell function and influenza
['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11309188
This project looks at whether activation of the Nrf2 pathway and a common food additive called tBHQ change how T cells respond to influenza, which could affect immunity and vaccine responses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309188 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying why some people make stronger T cell responses to influenza than others and whether a food additive, tBHQ, weakens those responses. They will use laboratory experiments and animal models to see how tBHQ and the Nrf2 pathway change CD4 and CD8 T cell behavior during flu infection. The team will measure immune cell function, differentiation, and molecular signals after exposure to tBHQ and influenza virus. The goal is to identify the specific mechanism linking diet-related chemicals and T cell responses to flu.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People concerned about influenza immunity or vaccine responses, especially those interested in how diet and food additives might affect their immune system, are most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to viral immunity or who are not exposed to the food additive tBHQ may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to dietary changes or new ways to boost T cell immunity to influenza and improve vaccine effectiveness.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies, mainly in mice, have shown that tBHQ can weaken T cell responses to influenza, but the precise molecular mechanism is still novel and under study.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROCKWELL, CHERYL ELIZABETH — HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: ROCKWELL, CHERYL ELIZABETH
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.