Impact of high salt diet on CD8 T cell responses to acute viral infection
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11366613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see how a high-salt diet affects how CD8 T cells respond during an acute viral infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $700,209 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI192415-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with or at risk for acute viral infections who may benefit from optimized salt intake and immune health.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with unrelated immune conditions or those unable to tolerate dietary changes may see no benefit.
What this research studies
We will study how eating a very salty diet changes the body’s CD8 T cell response to a quick viral infection. Using a mouse model and human cells, researchers will examine whether high salt impairs viral clearance and promotes signs of T cell exhaustion. The project aims to map immune changes caused by salt and connect them to potential health effects in people with or at risk for viral infections. Outcomes could inform dietary guidance and strategies to optimize antiviral immunity. The research is led by Indiana University in Indianapolis and runs from 2026 to 2031.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could influence dietary recommendations to support better antiviral immune responses in people.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary animal data suggest high salt can alter CD8 T cell function during viral challenges, but human data are limited, making this a novel/partially established area.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richer, Martin Joseph — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Richer, Martin Joseph
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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.