Understanding how T cells recognize antigens
Official title: Deconstructed T cell antigen recognition: Separation of affinity from bond lifetime
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11076198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T cells, which are important for our immune system, recognize and respond to germs by examining how the strength and length of their connection with these germs affects their behavior, helping us understand how to improve immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $718,524 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172253-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve T cell responses, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to T cell function or those who do not have an active immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind T cell recognition of antigens, focusing on how the strength and duration of the bond between T cell receptors and antigens influence T cell behavior. By using innovative assays to analyze these interactions at the cell membrane level, the research aims to separate the effects of bond affinity from bond lifetime. This could lead to a better understanding of T cell activation and memory formation, which are crucial for effective immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the development of more effective immunotherapies and vaccines by improving our understanding of T cell activation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell interactions, but this approach of separating affinity from bond lifetime is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evavold, Brian D — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Evavold, Brian D
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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.