Understanding how immune cells protect the female reproductive tract from viruses
Official title: T lymphocyte-mediated protection of the reproductive mucosa
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11073119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells in the female reproductive system can quickly fight off viral infections, and it aims to find ways to boost their effectiveness and keep them around longer, which could help improve overall immune health in that area.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $675,337 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177704-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who are at risk of viral infections affecting the reproductive system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a female reproductive tract or those with conditions that preclude the involvement of CD8 T cells may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of resident memory CD8 T cells in the female reproductive tract, focusing on how these immune cells can provide rapid protection against viral infections. By studying the diversity and differentiation of these T cells, the research aims to uncover the cellular and molecular signals that enhance their antiviral functions and maintain their presence over time. The approach includes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze different subsets of T cells and their characteristics. This work could lead to new strategies for improving immune responses in the reproductive mucosa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to enhanced protection against viral infections in the female reproductive tract, potentially reducing the incidence of related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding T cell responses in other tissues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on the reproductive mucosa is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beura, Lalit K — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Beura, Lalit K
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.