Understanding how skin memory T cells stay healthy to fight disease
Intrinsic and Extrinsic factors regulating competition for active TGFb promote skin memory CD8 T cell fitness
This research explores how special immune cells in the skin, called memory T cells, maintain their strength to protect against infections, skin cancer, and autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140479 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our skin has unique immune cells, called resident memory T cells (Trm), that stay in place to quickly respond to threats like viruses, skin cancer, and even contribute to autoimmune diseases. This project aims to understand the signals these Trm cells need to survive and thrive in the skin. By learning how these cells persist, we hope to find new ways to boost their protective abilities or control them when they cause harm. This knowledge could lead to better treatments for various skin-related health issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with autoimmune skin conditions, skin cancers, or those interested in enhancing skin immunity against infections.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the basic mechanisms of skin immunity or those seeking immediate clinical trials may not find direct benefit from this specific grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for strengthening the immune system against skin infections and melanoma, or for calming overactive immune responses in autoimmune skin diseases like alopecia areata.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this research group has already identified key factors, like TGFβ, that are essential for the persistence of these memory T cells in the skin.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaplan, Daniel H — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kaplan, Daniel H
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 below.