T cells self-turning on a CD28 switch to boost immune attacks
Cis-interaction mediated CD28 costimulation
Researchers are trying to help T cells activate a key CD28 switch from their own surface so they can work better against cancer and long-lasting viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores a new way T cells might turn on an important co-stimulatory receptor (CD28) using B7 molecules located on the same T cell, a mechanism called a cis interaction. The team will use laboratory experiments and animal models to show whether these cis B7:CD28 interactions change how T cells respond. They will map the molecular steps inside T cells that lead to CD28 activation and test whether leveraging this pathway makes T cells more effective against tumors or persistent viruses. The goal is to translate those findings into approaches that could eventually strengthen patient immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people with cancer or chronic viral infections who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples for immune research or who might enroll in future trials of T cell–boosting therapies.
Not a fit: People without cancers or chronic viral infections, or whose illness is not driven by T cell dysfunction, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies that boost patient T cells to improve responses to cancer immunotherapy and treatments for chronic viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows that enhancing CD28 signaling can revive dysfunctional T cells during cancer and checkpoint therapy, but activating CD28 via B7 on the same T cell (cis activation) is a novel idea that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Yunlong — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Yunlong
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.