Skin vaccine to create lung-targeting T cells
Skin vaccination and generation of protective lung-tropic memory T cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11225136
A skin-delivered vaccine approach aims to help people build long-lasting T cells that protect the lungs from respiratory viruses like flu and coronaviruses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11225136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I follow this work, researchers give a vaccine into the skin and track whether it produces a special type of CD8 T cell that quickly moves into the lungs when a virus appears. Most experiments use influenza as a model to study how these cells form, survive, and provide rapid protection. The team uses detailed cell-level analyses (single-cell RNA and chromatin tests) to understand what makes these lung-tropic memory T cells durable. The goal is to learn mechanisms that could guide more durable vaccines against respiratory viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for serious respiratory viral infections or those interested in next-generation vaccine approaches would be the eventual target population.
Not a fit: People with severely weakened immune systems or who cannot receive skin-delivered vaccines may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to vaccines that give longer-lasting T cell protection in the lungs and reduce severe illness from respiratory viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies have shown promise for T cell–based and tissue-targeted vaccines, but translating skin-driven lung protection into durable human immunity is still early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KUPPER, THOMAS S. — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: KUPPER, THOMAS S.
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.