How T cells use bond strength and timing to recognize threats
Deconstructed T cell antigen recognition: Separation of affinity from bond lifetime
This project looks at how T cells sense antigens by the strength, lifetime, and force of molecular bonds, which could help improve vaccines and immune treatments for people with infections or immune disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310184 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will use new lab tests to watch T cell receptors interact with peptide-MHC molecules right at the cell surface, focusing on the two-dimensional contact between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. They will separate how tightly molecules bind (affinity) from how long those bonds last and the forces involved during contact. The team will map how these different signals shape T cell survival, function, and memory, and will study outcomes for low-affinity T cells during infection. Most of the work is laboratory-based using engineered systems and biological samples to better define the signals that steer T cell fate.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recovering from infections, vaccine recipients, or those with immune-related disorders would be the most relevant candidates for future related studies or to donate samples.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve T cell–mediated immunity (for example isolated structural or purely metabolic conditions) are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help design vaccines and immune therapies that produce stronger or longer-lasting protection by targeting the right T cell interactions.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work has indicated that bond lifetime and mechanical force influence T cell outcomes, but separating affinity from bond lifetime at the cell surface using in-situ two-dimensional assays is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evavold, Brian D — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Evavold, Brian D
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.