Understanding how immune cells develop in the upper respiratory tract
Official title: CD8+ TRM Development and Maintenance in the Upper Respiratory Tract
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10997815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in your upper respiratory system help protect you from the flu, especially when there are no flu germs around, and it aims to find out how these cells can be better trained to fight off severe respiratory infections after vaccination.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL176090-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of influenza infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for respiratory infections or those who have already developed strong immunity to influenza may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and maintenance of CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) in the upper respiratory tract, which are crucial for protecting against influenza infections. The study aims to identify the signals and conditions necessary for these immune cells to form, especially when local antigens are absent. By examining how these cells respond to influenza vaccination and their role in preventing severe respiratory infections, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of immune protection in the respiratory system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vaccination strategies that provide better protection against influenza and potentially other respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding immune responses in the lungs, but the specific focus on upper respiratory tract CD8+ TRM development is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kost, Kirsten — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kost, Kirsten
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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.