Understanding how immune cells remember viruses like the flu
Control of antiviral memory CD8+ T cell longevity by extracellular ATP sensing
This work explores how certain immune cells called CD8+ T cells develop long-lasting memory to fight off viral infections, aiming to improve future vaccines and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on special immune cells, called memory CD8+ T cells, to protect us from viruses like influenza long after the initial infection. This project looks into how a specific signal, extracellular ATP (eATP), helps these memory cells form and survive for a long time. We are particularly interested in how this signal affects memory cells that live in our tissues, as these are crucial for fighting off infections where they first enter the body. By understanding these processes, we hope to find new ways to boost our immune system's ability to remember and fight viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone susceptible to viral infections, such as influenza, by improving future preventative and treatment strategies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for current infections would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective vaccines and antiviral therapies that provide stronger and longer-lasting protection against viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of extracellular ATP as a 'danger signal' is known, its specific role in promoting long-term memory CD8+ T cell survival in this context is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Scottsdale, United States
- Mayo Clinic Arizona — Scottsdale, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borges Da Silva, Henrique — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Borges Da Silva, Henrique
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 below.