Understanding how certain immune cells hide chronic infections
Characterizing Macrophages as "Hide-Outs" for Chronic Pathogens
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called macrophages can hide and protect chronic infections like HIV and tuberculosis from the body's defenses, with the goal of finding new ways to help the immune system fight these stubborn infections better for people living with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how macrophages, a type of immune cell, can harbor chronic pathogens like HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing them to evade the immune system. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these macrophages to resist being destroyed by immune cells, particularly T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to explore potential strategies to enhance the immune response against these hidden infections, which could lead to improved treatments for patients with chronic diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with chronic infections such as HIV or tuberculosis.
Not a fit: Patients with acute infections or those not infected with chronic pathogens may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively target and eliminate chronic infections hidden within immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in chronic infections, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clayton, Kiera L. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Clayton, Kiera L.
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.