Understanding how skin immune cells protect against leishmaniasis
Official title: Deciphering the ontogeny of CD4+ resident memory T cells that globally seed the skin and protect against cutaneous leishmaniasis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11100344 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of immune cell that helps protect your skin from infections, and it's trying to find out how these cells are made and kept in your skin, which could lead to better vaccines for diseases spread by insects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $769,366 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189513-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11100344 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis or those who may benefit from improved vaccine strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for vector-borne infections or those with existing immunity to leishmaniasis may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development and function of a specific type of immune cell, known as dermal resident memory CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in protecting the skin from infections like leishmaniasis. The study aims to uncover how these cells are formed and maintained in the skin, particularly focusing on the influence of the skin microbiome and intrinsic signals from T cells. By identifying the factors that promote the retention and expansion of these protective cells, the research seeks to enhance vaccine strategies against vector-borne diseases. Patients may benefit from improved vaccines that harness the body's immune response more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines that enhance the body's ability to fight off skin infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through similar approaches, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Phillip — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Scott, Phillip
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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.