Understanding how memory T cells work in the immune system
Official title: Investigating the Abundance, Fate, and Function of Secondary Lymphoid Organ Resident Memory T cells
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10915424 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special kind of immune cell that helps protect us from infections like HIV and tuberculosis, to find ways to make vaccines work better and boost our immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,327 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI176750-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915424 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with or are at risk for diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, or malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of these infections or are not at risk for them may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior and function of a specific type of immune cell called resident memory T cells, which play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections like HIV and tuberculosis. By examining how these cells migrate and operate within secondary lymphoid organs, the study aims to enhance vaccine design and improve immune responses. The approach involves analyzing the distribution and roles of these memory T cells in the body, which could lead to better strategies for vaccination and disease prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that provide better protection against serious infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding T cell behavior, but this specific focus on resident memory T cells in secondary lymphoid organs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'flanagan, Stephen D — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: O'flanagan, Stephen D
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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.