Why CD8 T cells become exhausted during long-lasting viral infections
Mechanisms of T Cell Quiescence and Exhaustion
Researchers are developing ways to boost TCF1-high 'stem-like' CD8 T cells to help people with chronic viral infections like HIV keep the virus under control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322518 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why some CD8 T cells stay in a rested, stem-like state while others become exhausted during persistent viral infections such as HIV. The team studies key signals—especially the balance between IL-2 and PD-1—that drive formation and survival of TCF1-high CD8 T cells using laboratory experiments and immune cell analyses. They plan to use those findings to design new immune-based treatments, including improved checkpoint-blocking drugs and adoptive cell transfer approaches. The goal is to restore long-lasting antiviral immunity without causing harmful inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic viral infections (for example, HIV) who have ongoing virus persistence and weakened CD8 T cell responses would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without chronic viral infections, whose illness is caused by non-viral conditions, or whose immune problems are unrelated to CD8 T cell exhaustion are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that restore durable antiviral CD8 T cell responses and improve control of chronic viruses such as HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Related strategies like PD-1 checkpoint blockers and adoptive T cell transfers have succeeded in cancer and shown early, experimental promise in chronic infections but are not yet established for long-term viral control.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Surojit — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Surojit
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.