# CD4 T cell, germinal center, and antibody response defects in recurrent tonsillitis

> **NIH NIH R01** · LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY · 2021 · $450,000

## Abstract

Project Summary
It has remained a longstanding mystery why some children are susceptible to recurrent tonsillitis.
Tonsillectomies are the most common pediatric surgery in America, with recurrent tonsillitis associated with S.
pyogenes (group A streptococcus, GAS) being a primary cause. We have preliminary data that there is an
immunological basis for recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis. Antibody responses are a central part of the immune
system. T follicular helper CD4 T cells (Tfh cells) are required for germinal centers, and thus the majority of
high affinity antibody responses. Tfh cells have important roles in protection from infectious diseases. Much
remains to be learned about Tfh cells. We have developed a novel method for quantifying pathogen-specific
Tfh cells, the activation immune marker (AIM) assay. The goal of this proposal is to ascertain the immunologic
mechanisms tied to recurrent strep throat, and the GAS virulence factors that cause recurrent tonsillitis
disease. Completion of this study could help identify children who are likely to be susceptible to recurrent strep
throat, and mechanistics studies propsed herein could allow for rational design of countermeasures to prevent
the disease in the future.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10161725
- **Project number:** 5R01AI135193-04
- **Recipient organization:** LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Shane P Crotty
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $450,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-06-14 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10161725

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10161725, CD4 T cell, germinal center, and antibody response defects in recurrent tonsillitis (5R01AI135193-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10161725. Licensed CC0.

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