Understanding T Cell Exhaustion in Chronic Infections and Cancer
Project 3 - Modulation of Antiviral Immunity and T cell Exhaustion by Inhibitory Receptors
This project aims to better understand how certain immune cells, called T cells, become 'exhausted' during long-term infections like HIV and in cancer, which can make treatments less effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system's T cells sometimes get tired, or 'exhausted,' when fighting chronic infections or cancer, making it harder for them to clear the disease. This happens when specific 'off-switch' molecules, like PD1 and LAG3, become highly active on these T cells. While medicines that block these off-switches can help some patients, we don't fully understand how they work or why they don't help everyone. This project will explore the exact ways these off-switches affect T cells, including those used in advanced CAR T cell therapies, to find new ways to boost their fighting power.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with chronic infections, cancer, or autoimmune conditions where T cell exhaustion plays a role, especially those who might benefit from or are currently receiving therapies targeting PD1 or LAG3, could eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to T cell exhaustion or the specific inhibitory pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective treatments for chronic infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases by improving how we target T cell exhaustion.
How similar studies have performed: Therapies targeting PD1 and LAG3 have shown success in some patients with cancer and chronic infections, but the detailed mechanisms explored here are still being uncovered.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wherry, E. John — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wherry, E. John
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.