Tracking CMV-fighting NK cells in salivary glands
Official title: Project 4-Tracking cytomegalovirus-primed long-lived NK cells in salivary gland
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11336500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how specialized natural killer cells in salivary glands help control CMV infection in people with AIDS or weakened immunity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $221,250 |
| NIH project number | 2P20GM134974-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with AIDS or other immune deficiencies who may be at risk for CMV-related complications.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without CMV risk or immune compromise may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how tissue-resident NK cells in the salivary glands respond to CMV in people with HIV/AIDS or similar immune compromise. Researchers will examine how these cells behave at the virus’s entry point and whether they can limit CMV replication and spread. The work involves advanced techniques to analyze immune cells from salivary tissue and understand how the local environment affects antiviral activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Finding ways to boost salivary-gland NK cell function could reduce CMV transmission and disease severity in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows tissue-resident NK cells play a role in local antiviral defense, but their specific function in salivary glands and CMV control is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nonaka, Taichiro — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Nonaka, Taichiro
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.