Understanding how skin immune cells fight viral infections
Official title: Investigating the local and systemic coordination of antiviral immunity by tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells in the skin
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10900160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special immune cells in the skin that help fight off viruses, especially those spread by mosquito bites, to find better ways to protect and treat skin-related viral infections.
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 | August 26, 2024 |
| Project end | August 25, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI181450-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced or are at risk for cutaneous viral infections, particularly those caused by vector-borne viruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic viral infections that do not involve the skin or those who are not at risk for vector-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells in the skin and their ability to coordinate antiviral immunity. By examining how these immune cells respond to viral infections, particularly those transmitted through mosquito bites, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance the body's defense against such infections. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to observe the behavior of these cells in real-time and assess their impact on both local and systemic immune responses. This work could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating viral diseases that affect the skin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures for viral infections transmitted through the skin.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in leveraging tissue-resident memory T cells for antiviral responses, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Olivia C. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Smith, Olivia C.
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.