How T cells' epigenetic switches change during infection
Epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation during infection
Researchers are trying to change exhausted CD8 T cells in long-term infections like HIV by targeting BET proteins so those immune cells work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326282 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically engineered mice and in‑body genetic screens to learn how individual BET family proteins control CD8 T cell exhaustion during chronic infections. They will test tailored, short‑term treatments with BET inhibitors to see if exhausted T cells can be reprogrammed to a healthier state. The work focuses on which specific BET proteins to target, since broad BET inhibitors have given mixed results in earlier trials. Results are meant to guide safer, more effective ways to boost immune responses in chronic infections such as HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with long‑term viral infections (for example, people with HIV) who have ongoing T cell exhaustion would be the most relevant candidates for related treatments or future trials.
Not a fit: People with short‑term (acute) infections or immune problems not driven by T cell exhaustion are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to therapies that revive tired T cells and improve immune control in chronic infections like HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Broad, first‑generation BET inhibitors have been tested in patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases with mixed results, so this work is refining which BET proteins to target and is promising but not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milner, John Justin — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Milner, John Justin
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.