Understanding how early life immune cells develop in the spleen
Official title: Early Life B-cell and plasma cell development in the human Spleen: a new paradigm for lifelong immunity
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11133703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system develops in young people by examining special cells in the spleen that help fight infections, and it aims to understand how these cells grow and change from childhood to adulthood, which could help us learn more about building strong immunity for life.
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 2, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $778,829 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182276-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants and children under 11 years old, as well as adults interested in understanding their immune system's development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established autoimmune conditions or those who are not in the age range of interest may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in the spleen during early life, focusing on how these cells differ from those found in adults. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the formation of these immune cells, which are crucial for producing natural antibodies that protect against infections. By using humanized mice, researchers will explore how fetal B-progenitors contribute to the long-term immune response and the persistence of these cells into adulthood. This work could provide insights into how early immune development can influence lifelong immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of immune system development, potentially enhancing vaccine strategies and treatments for infections in infants and children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell development, but this specific focus on early-life splenic ASCs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghosn, Eliver — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Ghosn, Eliver
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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.