Understanding how plasma cells develop and survive in the bone marrow.
Official title: Human Plasma Cell Maturation & Maintenance through CD138, TNFRSF, and Modulation of Ig Secretion
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11011450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help long-lived plasma cells survive in the bone marrow, which is important for keeping your body’s antibody levels up, and it could help us create better vaccines that give you lasting protection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $748,742 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172254-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over the age of 21 who may benefit from improved vaccine strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those with conditions that severely impair immune function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow long-lived plasma cells (LLPC) to thrive in the bone marrow, which are crucial for maintaining antibody levels in the body. The study focuses on specific proteins, such as CD138 and BCMA, that play significant roles in the transformation of early antibody-secreting cells into LLPC. By exploring various binding factors and their interactions within the bone marrow environment, the research aims to uncover how these cells can be sustained and how their antibody secretion can be modulated. This knowledge could lead to improved vaccine designs that provide long-lasting immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of vaccines by ensuring a more durable immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding plasma cell biology, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Frances Eun-Hyung — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Frances Eun-Hyung
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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.