Investigating how TCF1 affects memory T cell formation in various tissues
Official title: The role of TCF1 in CD8+ tissue resident memory T cell formation and maintenance across distinct tissues
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11066254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TCF1 helps special immune cells, known as tissue-resident memory T cells, stay in places like your intestines and salivary glands to better protect you from infections that come back, with the hope of finding ways to strengthen your immune response against viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $45,478 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI183706-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066254 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of viral infections or those at risk of recurrent infections who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of viral infections or those with conditions that do not involve the adaptive immune system may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of T cell factor 1 (TCF1) in the formation and maintenance of tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, which are crucial for protecting the body against recurrent infections. The study aims to explore how TCF1 influences TRM cells in different tissues, such as the intestines and salivary glands, and how its various isoforms contribute to this process. By examining the transcriptional regulators involved, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of TRM biology, which is currently less understood compared to circulating memory T cells. This could lead to improved strategies for boosting the immune response against viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to protect against viral infections by improving the formation of memory T cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of TCF1 in TRM cell biology is largely unstudied, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that understanding transcription factors in immune responses has led to significant advancements in immunology.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vandenburgh, Sara Alissa — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Vandenburgh, Sara Alissa
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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.