Understanding T-cell Function for Immunity Against Viruses and Cancer

CTCF in CD8 T cell homeostasis and anti-viral/tumor immunity

['FUNDING_R01'] · HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11142982

This project looks at how special immune cells called CD8 T cells work to protect us from viruses and cancer, hoping to improve future treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HACKENSACK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11142982 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our immune system relies on CD8 T cells to fight off infections and cancer. This work aims to understand the tiny molecular details of how these T cells grow, stay balanced, and learn to remember past threats. We are exploring how the 3D structure of a cell's genetic material helps control these T cells, which is a new area of focus. By uncovering these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to make T cells more effective at fighting disease. This knowledge could lead to better vaccines and immunotherapies for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with viral infections or cancer who might benefit from improved T-cell based therapies could be ideal candidates for future treatments stemming from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to CD8 T cell function or who do not respond to T-cell based immunotherapies may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective vaccines and new or improved immunotherapies for viral infections and various cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Adoptive cell therapies, including CAR T cells, have shown promising results in treating certain cancers, suggesting that enhancing T cell function holds significant therapeutic potential.

Where this research is happening

HACKENSACK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.