Understanding how certain proteins affect T cell behavior during infections

Epigenetic regulation of T cell differentiation during infection

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11121015

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11121015 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic infections or cancers that affect T cell function.

Not a fit: Patients with acute infections or those not affected by T cell exhaustion may not receive benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virusacute infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.