Understanding how immune cells protect the upper airway from infections
Official title: Defining mucosal plasma cell origin, residence, and longevity in the upper airway
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11045818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune cells in your nose that help fight off infections, like COVID-19, to see how they work and how we can make vaccines even better at protecting you from respiratory illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,221 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI179729-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for upper respiratory infections or those who have had COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have upper respiratory infections or are not at risk for such infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specialized immune cells, called plasma cells, in the upper respiratory tract, particularly focusing on their origin, location, and lifespan. It aims to understand how these cells produce antibodies that are crucial for preventing infections, especially from viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The study will explore the unique barriers in the olfactory mucosa that affect how antibodies function and how vaccines can be improved to better protect against respiratory infections. By examining the behavior of these immune cells, the research seeks to enhance vaccine effectiveness for upper airway infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide better protection against respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in the respiratory tract, but this specific focus on olfactory plasma cells is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moseman, E. Ashley — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Moseman, E. Ashley
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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.