Understanding how human immune cells respond over time
Official title: Evolution and Durability of Human T and B Cell Responses
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11075840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your body, called memory B and T cells, change and stick around after you've had an infection or a vaccine, using samples from organ transplant patients to learn more about how these cells work and what keeps them alive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,474,901 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI181105-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals who have undergone organ transplants and are willing to provide blood and tissue samples for analysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of infections or vaccinations, or those who are not organ transplant recipients, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of human memory B and T cells after infections and vaccinations, focusing on how these immune cells evolve and persist in the body. By analyzing samples from organ transplant patients, the study aims to track specific memory cell clones in both blood and tissues, which has been challenging with current methods. The researchers will explore the signals that influence the survival and recruitment of these immune cells, providing insights into their long-term responses. This approach could lead to a better understanding of immune memory and its implications for health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses, potentially leading to improved vaccines and therapies for various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses through similar methodologies, but this study aims to provide deeper insights into the evolution of memory cells, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lund, Frances E. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lund, Frances E.
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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.