Understanding how certain proteins affect T cell behavior during infections
Official title: Epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation during infection
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11121015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins affect the way immune cells called CD8 T cells work during infections and cancer, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic infections or cancers that affect T cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not affected by T cell exhaustion may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins known as BET family members in the differentiation and exhaustion of CD8 T cells during infections and cancer. By using advanced genetic techniques in mouse models, the study aims to uncover how these proteins influence T cell function and could potentially lead to improved therapies. The goal is to enhance our understanding of T cell biology and optimize treatments that target these proteins to combat chronic infections and cancers. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reprogramming exhausted T cells, improving immune responses in patients with chronic infections and cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results with BET inhibitors in clinical trials, indicating that while the approach is promising, it requires further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milner, John Justin — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Milner, John Justin
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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.