Understanding T cell dysfunction in a severe tropical disease
CD4+ T cell dysfunction during visceral leishmaniasis
This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called CD4+ T cells stops working properly in people with visceral leishmaniasis, a serious tropical disease, to help find better treatments or vaccines for it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10738815 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for immune response, become dysfunctional during visceral leishmaniasis, a serious tropical disease. The study aims to identify specific immune responses and mechanisms that lead to T cell exhaustion in patients infected with Leishmania parasites. By using advanced techniques to track these immune cells, the research seeks to uncover why the immune system fails to control the infection effectively. This knowledge could pave the way for developing better treatments or vaccines for this neglected disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis or those at high risk of infection.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of leishmaniasis, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, may not benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments or vaccines for visceral leishmaniasis, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While research on T cell dysfunction in other diseases has shown promise, this specific investigation into visceral leishmaniasis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nice, Timothy J. — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nice, Timothy J.
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.