Understanding how B cells develop into antibody-producing cells
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of early B cell differentiation
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11114046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called B cells decide to become antibody-making cells, which help fight infections, and it aims to find ways to better stimulate these cells for creating effective vaccines and treatments for diseases like COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,941 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173252-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune conditions or those interested in understanding their immune response to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established B cell malignancies or those not experiencing immune-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the processes that lead to the differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting cells, which are crucial for the immune response against infections. It focuses on the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms that guide B cells in making decisions about their fate, whether to become antibody-secreting cells or memory B cells. By studying these processes in detail, the research aims to uncover how B cells can be effectively stimulated to produce antibodies, which is vital for developing vaccines and therapies for diseases like COVID-19. The research utilizes in vivo models to observe B cell behavior and the unique epigenetic changes that occur during their differentiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccines and therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding B cell differentiation and its implications for vaccine development, indicating that this approach is building on established knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boss, Jeremy M. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Boss, Jeremy M.
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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.