Understanding how skin immune cells remember infections
Official title: New mechanisms governing skin tissue residency memory T cells
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11061886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the skin remember past infections so they can better protect you from future ones, which is important for fighting off viruses and cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,214 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083208-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of skin infections or cancers, as well as those interested in novel immunization approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to skin immunity or those who do not have a history of infections or cancers affecting the skin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow immune cells in the skin to remember past infections and respond effectively to future threats. By focusing on tissue resident memory T cells, the study aims to uncover how these cells are formed and maintained in the skin, which is crucial for long-lasting immunity against viruses and cancers. The researchers will use mouse models to explore how these immune cells interact with local tissue cells and how they can be regulated to enhance protective immunity while preventing autoimmune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunization strategies and therapies for infections and cancers affecting the skin.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tissue resident memory T cells, but this specific focus on skin immunity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anandasabapathy, Niroshana — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Anandasabapathy, Niroshana
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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.