NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how protein degradation affects T cell function and memory

Official title: The role for ER associated degradation (ERAD) in T cell homeostasis and memory

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11019843 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a process in our cells helps keep immune T cells healthy and strong, which is important for fighting off viruses and cancer, and it could lead to better treatments for these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startMarch 17, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$493,107
NIH project number5R01AI165533-03
Project IDNIH-11019843 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect T cell function, such as certain cancers or chronic viral infections.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to T cell function or those who do not have a significant immune response issue may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) in regulating CD8+ T cells, which are essential for fighting viral infections and tumors. The study focuses on how maintaining protein homeostasis influences T cell survival and function, particularly in the context of immune responses. By using mouse models to disrupt the ERAD pathway, researchers aim to uncover new insights into T cell behavior and memory formation, which could lead to improved immunotherapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for cancer and viral infections by improving T cell responses.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell responses through similar mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Carty, Shannon a. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Carty, Shannon a.

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.