Understanding how immune cells present antigens to trigger strong immune responses
Official title: Toll-like receptor control of endocytic antigen cross-presentation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11088825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells help activate the body's defenses against tough infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and it aims to find ways to make vaccines even better at protecting us from these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,627 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170832-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or living with intracellular infections such as HIV, tuberculosis, or malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-intracellular infections or those who do not have a compromised immune system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which dendritic cells, a type of immune cell, present antigens to activate CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting intracellular infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The study focuses on how Toll-like receptors (TLRs) can enhance this process, potentially leading to the development of more effective vaccines. By exploring the role of different adjuvants, including alum, the research aims to improve the immune response against these challenging pathogens. Patients may benefit from advancements in vaccine technology that could provide better protection against these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that elicit strong immune responses against serious infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blander, Julie Magarian — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Blander, Julie Magarian
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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.