Understanding how T cells become exhausted during chronic infections
Phenotypic, Functional and Transcriptional Heterogeneity in T Cell Exhaustion
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called CD8 T cells, can become tired and less effective when fighting long-lasting viruses like HIV and HCV, with the goal of finding new ways to boost your immune response against these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11051471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind T cell exhaustion, particularly focusing on progenitor CD8 T cells that help sustain immune responses against chronic viruses like HIV and HCV. By examining how these progenitor cells develop and maintain their function in the presence of persistent viral antigens, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular factors that contribute to T cell exhaustion. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze the transcriptional and epigenetic changes in these cells, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing immune responses in chronic infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic viral infections such as HIV or HCV.
Not a fit: Patients with acute infections or those not infected with chronic viruses may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic viral infections by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight these diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell dynamics in chronic infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Weiguo — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Cui, Weiguo
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.