Understanding how the immune system responds to a common virus in the salivary glands
Official title: Immune response to MCMV infection in the salivary glands
Funded at Brown University · NIH-10840887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system responds to a specific virus in the salivary glands, which could help us understand why the virus sticks around and how immune cells work differently there, with the hope of finding better ways to boost immune responses for people dealing with infections or cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $786,787 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173163-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies or with certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are healthy and do not have any underlying immune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system reacts to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection specifically in the salivary glands. By using an animal model, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that allow the virus to persist in this organ and how immune cells, particularly NK cells, function differently in the salivary glands compared to other tissues. The researchers will explore the role of the salivary gland environment in regulating immune responses, which could provide insights into both viral infections and cancer. This work may lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for viral infections and potentially enhance cancer therapies by targeting immune regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding immune responses to viral infections and cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brossay, Laurent — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Brossay, Laurent
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.