Reprogramming Immune Cells to Fight Chronic Infections
CD8+ T CELL REPROGRAMMING TO BOOST ANTIVIRAL POTENTIAL AGAINST CHRONIC INFECTION
This project explores ways to make your body's immune cells stronger to better control long-lasting viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis B.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pontificia Universidad Javeriana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bogota, Colombia) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the body's natural ability to control chronic viral infections by enhancing specific immune cells called CD8+ T cells. We know that certain individuals can naturally control infections like HIV-1 and Hepatitis B (HBV) because their CD8+ T cells have special 'stem-like' qualities, allowing them to survive longer, perform multiple functions, and multiply effectively. This project aims to reprogram CD8+ T cells from individuals with chronic infections to give them these beneficial stem-like properties. By doing so, we hope to boost their antiviral potential and help the body achieve better control over these persistent viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future applications of this research would be individuals living with chronic viral infections such as HIV-1 or Hepatitis B.
Not a fit: Patients without chronic viral infections or those whose conditions are not related to CD8+ T cell function may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that help patients achieve remission from chronic viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis B by enhancing their own immune response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in optimizing a system to reprogram HIV-specific CD8+ T cells from non-controller individuals, suggesting a promising foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Bogota, Colombia
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana — Bogota, Colombia (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perdomo, Federico — Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
- Study coordinator: Perdomo, Federico
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.