NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how memory T cells work in the mouth

Official title: Regulation and Function of Oral Resident Memory T Cells

Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10903853 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at special immune cells in your mouth that help protect against infections and may play a role in allergies and autoimmune diseases, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments for these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number5R00DE031014-04
Project IDNIH-10903853 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of oral infections, autoimmune diseases, or those interested in immunological health.

Less likely to help

Patients with no history of oral health issues or those not affected by autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of tissue resident memory T cells (TRM) in the oral cavity, which are crucial for protecting against infections and may influence allergic and autoimmune diseases. By focusing on how these cells function and develop in the mouth, the study aims to uncover their potential for improving treatments for various immunological disorders. The research employs advanced methodologies to analyze the behavior and characteristics of TRM in oral tissues, providing insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how to enhance immune responses in the mouth, particularly in relation to infections and autoimmune conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for oral infections and autoimmune diseases by harnessing the power of memory T cells.

How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on memory T cells in other mucosal sites, this specific focus on oral TRM is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

  • Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
    Cleveland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Stolley, James Michael — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
  • Study coordinator: Stolley, James Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.