Keeping CD8 T cells healthy and long‑lived
T cell maintenance: molecular mediators of T cell differentiation and survival
Researchers want to learn how CD8 T cells change their metabolism so they can survive in different tissues and help people fight infections and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear about how tissue-resident CD8 memory T cells adapt to local environments like the small intestine and other barrier sites. The team compares circulating and tissue-resident CD8 T cells and measures metabolic activity, gene expression, and protein changes that support survival. They use molecular lab techniques along with animal models and tissue or blood samples to map these adaptations. The work aims to pinpoint pathways that keep T cells effective against intracellular bacteria and tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people willing to provide blood or tissue samples, especially those with or recovering from intracellular bacterial infections or with cancers where CD8 T cells are important.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to CD8 T cell immunity or those unable to provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to ways to boost long-lived T cell immunity to prevent or better treat infections and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown tissue-resident CD8 T cells are important and that metabolism influences T cell function, but the specific tissue-based metabolic programs targeted here remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldrath, Ananda W — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Goldrath, Ananda W
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.