Tissue-resident memory T cells
Resident Memory T Cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11291866
This project builds new lab tests and models to learn how local memory T cells protect against infections and cancer but also drive autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory problems, with the goal of guiding future treatments for people with those conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291866 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work creates new laboratory assays using human samples and mouse models to see how tissue-resident memory T cells (Trm) communicate with nearby stromal, immune, and organ cells. Scientists will use combinatorial gene editing to identify the genes that control Trm formation and a special mouse model to turn antigen responsiveness on and off during acute or persistent infections and cancer. They will also measure how activating Trm affects hormones and other whole-body responses in living animals. The overall aim is to find ways to boost Trm for better vaccines and cancer control or to block harmful Trm activity in autoimmune, allergic, and graft-versus-host conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections, certain cancers, autoimmune or allergic conditions, chronic inflammatory diseases, or graft-versus-host disease are the most likely to be relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to T cell–driven immunity or those unable to provide samples or travel to study sites are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to strengthen tissue-protective T cells for vaccines and cancer or to reduce harmful T cell activity in autoimmune and allergic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown tissue-resident T cells can protect against infections and tumors, but translating that knowledge into therapies and ways to block harmful Trm activity remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MASOPUST, DAVID — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: MASOPUST, DAVID
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.