Understanding how specific B cells help fight viral infections
Official title: The Role of Tbet+ B cells in viral reinfection
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11119534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of B cell that helps your body fight off viruses, to see how they develop and make antibodies that keep you safe from getting sick again, which could help us understand immune responses better for everyone, including those with autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,121 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190857-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced viral infections and may be at risk for reinfection, particularly those with autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had viral infections or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a unique subset of B cells, known as Tbet+ B cells, in the immune response to viral infections. It focuses on how these B cells mature and differentiate to produce antibodies that protect against reinfection. By examining the mechanisms behind their activation and function, the study aims to clarify their contribution to generating effective anti-viral antibodies. This could lead to better understanding of immune responses in both healthy individuals and those with autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of immune responses, potentially leading to improved treatments for viral infections and autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding specific B cell functions can lead to significant advancements in vaccine development and treatment strategies, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinstein, Jason — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Weinstein, Jason
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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.