IL-17's role in immune control of long-term viral infections
IL-17 regulation of type-1 immunity in chronic viral infection
This research looks at whether the immune signal IL-17 changes how other immune cells behave during long-lasting viral infections, which could matter for people with chronic viral illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11091499 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using a well-established mouse model of chronic viral infection (LCMV clone 13) to see how IL-17 influences immune cell activation, exhaustion, and tissue damage. They block IL-17 using genetic methods and antibodies and measure effects on Th1 and CD8+ T cells, along with gene expression changes. The team is studying lymphoid stromal fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) as intermediaries of IL-17's effects and looking at the role of excess IFN-gamma in driving exhaustion. Findings aim to clarify whether modulating IL-17 could reduce harmful chronic inflammation without worsening infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic viral infections (for example, long-term hepatitis or other persistent viral illnesses) would be the most relevant future candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with acute, short-term infections or non-viral conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic immunology research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce damaging inflammation and improve immune control in people with chronic viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: While IL-17's role is well known in bacterial, fungal, and autoimmune inflammation, using IL-17 blockade to alter T cell exhaustion in chronic viral infection is relatively new and yielded unexpected findings in this model.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgeachy, Mandy J — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Mcgeachy, Mandy J
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.