Stem-like CD8 T cells to boost antiviral immunity in chronic viral infection
Official title: Program stem-like CD8 T cells to enhance antiviral immunity against chronic viral infection
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11396316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to harness a special stem-like subset of CD8 T cells to improve immune responses against chronic viruses like HIV, HBV, and HCV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $565,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI158294-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic viral infections where CD8 T-cell exhaustion limits viral control and who may benefit from improved immunotherapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without chronic viral infections or those unlikely to mount an immunotherapy response may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how a stem-like population of CD8 T cells can be guided to fight chronic viral infections more effectively. It builds on evidence that these cells can self-renew and sustain antiviral activity, potentially improving how immunotherapies work. The team will explore transcriptional and epigenetic programs that control these cells and test strategies to enhance their function in the setting of chronic infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to immunotherapies that better restore durable antiviral immunity for people with chronic viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest stem-like CD8 T cells can sustain antiviral responses and influence therapy outcomes, but clinical translation is still progressing.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Tuoqi — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wu, Tuoqi
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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.