Understanding how liver cells help clear hepatitis C virus infections to improve vaccine design
Official title: Investigating the role of intrahepatic plasma cells in the clearance of HCV infection: implications for rational vaccine design
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11071115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the liver help fight off hepatitis C virus infections, with the goal of finding ways to create better vaccines to protect people from this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI189066-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently been diagnosed with acute hepatitis C virus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic hepatitis C infections or those who have already developed severe liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific immune cells in the liver that produce antibodies during acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. By studying how these liver-resident plasma cells contribute to clearing the virus, the research aims to identify key factors that can be used to develop effective vaccines against HCV. The approach includes analyzing the immune response in both human and animal models to understand the mechanisms that lead to successful viral clearance. This knowledge could help in designing vaccines that prompt a strong and timely immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of an effective vaccine against hepatitis C virus, significantly reducing new infections worldwide.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune responses to viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gridley, John — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Gridley, John
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.