How T cells respond to respiratory infections and vaccines
Respiratory pathogen-specific T cell signatures following vaccination, natural infection, and treatment
This project looks at how adults' T cells change after respiratory infections or different kinds of vaccinations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | La Jolla Institute for Immunology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide blood samples so researchers can look at specific CD4 and CD8 T cells that recognize respiratory germs like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and pertussis. The team will compare these immune cell patterns after natural infection and after different vaccine types (live, protein-based, viral-vector, and mRNA). They will follow people over time to see how long responses last and how flexible those T cells are. Findings come from comparing many donors and vaccine histories to define common immune signatures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) who have had or expect to have respiratory infections or vaccinations and who can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children under 21, people without relevant infection or vaccination history, or those unwilling/unable to give blood are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could help improve vaccines and identify immune signs that predict protection from respiratory infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has successfully mapped T cell responses to COVID-19 and some vaccines, but comparing many respiratory pathogens and vaccine platforms over time is a broader and newer approach.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sette, Alessandro — La Jolla Institute for Immunology
- Study coordinator: Sette, Alessandro
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.