Understanding how certain immune cells develop and function
Official title: The role of CD163L1 in CD8+ T cells
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-10738771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called CD8+ T cells, develop into either short-lived fighters or long-lasting memory cells, and it focuses on a special receptor that might help explain these differences, which could lead to better ways to understand and improve our immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | November 10, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI167858-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10738771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are interested in understanding immune cell behavior and its implications for health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to immune function or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differentiation of CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for immune responses. It aims to understand why some of these cells become short-lived effectors while others develop into long-lasting memory cells. The study will explore the role of a specific receptor, CD163L1, that is found on fetal-derived CD8+ T cells, potentially revealing new insights into their unique functions. By examining these distinct cell lineages, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of immune responses and memory formation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing immune responses in patients, particularly in the context of infections and vaccinations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell differentiation, but the specific role of CD163L1 in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudd, Brian David — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Rudd, Brian David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
PORTENT 3.0 Technical Core for global health point-of-care tools
A NIH U54 grant supports Cornell and partners in advancing point-of-care technologies for nutrition, infection, and cancer to real-world use, especially in global health settings.
-
Point-of-care zinc test strips to verify infant zinc medicines in low-resource settings
A fast, low-cost smartphone‑based test strips method checks zinc-containing infant medicines in places with limited lab access.
-
Center for Spillover Prevention and One Health Readiness in Asia
A center in Asia works to prevent pandemics by studying how animal infections jump to humans and by building tools to detect and respond quickly to spillovers.
-
SAGE: A privacy-friendly system to monitor antimicrobial use in animals
A nationwide, privacy-preserving data hub will securely collect and standardize antimicrobial use data across animal species to support smarter stewardship and regulatory science.
-
Rapid, bedside KS diagnosis in Africa with KS-COMPLETE
A fast, point-of-care test using skin biopsies to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa, helping patients get results in about an hour.
-
Nuclear mechanics in tight cell movement
Scientists are studying how the nucleus changes its shape and function when cells squeeze through very small spaces, which could affect health and disease.
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.