Understanding how immune cells remember infections in the gut

Impact of priming on the generation of intestinal tissue-resident memory T cells

['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11127719

This research aims to discover how certain immune cells in the gut develop a 'memory' to better protect us from future infections and diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11127719 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our bodies need strong immune defenses in the gut to fight off germs and even some cancers, but we don't fully understand how these protective memory cells are formed. This project explores the specific signals that teach immune cells, called CD8 T cells, to become long-lasting 'resident memory' cells in the intestine. By learning how these cells develop their memory, we hope to create more effective vaccines that can provide better protection where it's needed most.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who could potentially benefit from future applications of this research include those at risk for gut-related infections or certain types of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for existing conditions may not directly benefit from this foundational research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and improved vaccines that offer stronger, longer-lasting protection against gut infections and certain cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data supports the central idea, but this research addresses a critical gap in our current understanding of immune memory development.

Where this research is happening

STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.