Restoring helper CD4 T cells to help control chronic viral infections
Official title: CD4 Th1 Cell Restoration for Control of Chronic Viral Infection
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11449036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project tests a strategy to revive CD4 Th1 helper T cells to better control chronic viral infections like HIV and hepatitis B/C in people who need improved immune control.
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 | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $710,142 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI190033-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with chronic viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B or C) who may benefit from restored CD4 Th1 and CD8 T cell responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced disease or other immunodeficiencies may see limited benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to restore and sustain CD4 Th1 T cell responses in people with chronic viral infections. By reconstituting these helper cells, the therapy seeks to boost the activity of CD8 T cells and promote viral clearance. The approach includes findings that anti-PD-L1 treatment can selectively enhance virus-specific CD4 Th1 cells and improve immune control, potentially reducing viral persistence. The work involves preclinical and translational studies to understand how restoring CD4 Th1 function could translate into better patient outcomes. If successful, this could lead to new immune-based strategies to complement antivirals and prevent viral rebound.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved viral control and reduced risk of viral rebound when stopping antivirals.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that boosting CD4 Th1 responses can enhance CD8 T cell function and viral control, supporting further development of this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Snell, Laura M — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Snell, Laura M
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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.