Understanding how long-lived plasma cells work and survive beyond making antibodies
Official title: Understanding plasma cell longevity and their roles beyond antibody production
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11435688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying what makes certain plasma cells live for years and how they decide their fate, with findings that could improve vaccines and immune protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $552,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2AI200982-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with conditions where vaccine-induced immune memory is critical, such as HIV/AIDS patients or individuals needing durable vaccine responses.
✕Less likely to help
People with conditions not affecting humoral immunity or those not receiving vaccines may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced mouse models to track plasma cells over time and see why some become long-lived after vaccination or infection. By following cells that arise from germinal center reactions, scientists hope to map where these cells reside and how their survival is determined. The study relies on high-throughput methods to analyze cellular changes and survival signals as plasma cells age. The ultimate goal is to uncover rules that could inform better vaccine design and durable immune responses in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to vaccines that produce longer-lasting protection and a deeper understanding of immune memory.
How similar studies have gone: Similar work using advanced mouse models has provided insights into plasma cell longevity, with ongoing efforts translating to human vaccines.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Carvalho, Renan Villanova Homem — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: De Carvalho, Renan Villanova Homem
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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.