Understanding how TOX influences CD8 T cell exhaustion in chronic infections and cancer
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of TOX-mediated Programming of CD8 T Cell Exhaustion
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11000813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the way certain immune cells, called CD8 T cells, become less effective over time when they encounter ongoing infections or tumors, with the hope of finding new ways to help these cells work better in treating chronic illnesses and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,512 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic viral infections or cancers that exhibit T cell exhaustion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those whose immune responses are not characterized by T cell exhaustion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the TOX transcription factor in the development of exhausted CD8 T cells, which are crucial for immune responses against viral infections and tumors. The study focuses on how persistent antigens lead to a dysfunctional state in these T cells, preventing their effective differentiation into memory and effector cells. By examining the epigenetic changes associated with T cell exhaustion, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets to enhance T cell function in chronic infections and cancer. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing T cell responses in patients with chronic infections and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting T cell exhaustion, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Matthew Ambrose — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Matthew Ambrose
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.