# Development and functions of tissue resident memory T cells during EAE

> **NIH NIH R21** · BENAROYA RESEARCH INST AT VIRGINIA MASON · 2022 · $259,451

## Abstract

Project Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized
by demyelination, axonal loss, and progressive disability. The disease can follow a relapsing remitting or a more
chronic course. Similarly, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are characterized by CNS
inflammation and demyelination, and each recapitulate some aspects of MS. Although there is a wealth of
knowledge regarding the association of different circulating T helper (Th) subsets with multiple sclerosis (MS),
there is a paucity of information regarding the characteristics and functions of tissue resident memory T cells
(TRM) which have been recently identified in the central nervous system (CNS) and the cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) of MS patients. To begin to address this gap, we have used a newly developed mouse strain to identify,
track, characterize and eliminate TRMs during the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).
We propose that autoreactive CNS CD4+ TRM express a unique set of markers that distinguish them from other
circulating central memory T cells and play an important role in disease progression. Using our newly developed
tools, we will characterize the distribution, kinetic and characteristics of CD4+ TRM cells during EAE, establish
whether they recirculate and participate in disease progression and relapses during EAE. The completion of this
proposal will help us understand how memory T cells promote chronic autoimmunity and may lead to the
development of novel therapies for MS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10440905
- **Project number:** 1R21NS127190-01
- **Recipient organization:** BENAROYA RESEARCH INST AT VIRGINIA MASON
- **Principal Investigator:** Estelle Bettelli
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $259,451
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-02-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10440905

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10440905, Development and functions of tissue resident memory T cells during EAE (1R21NS127190-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10440905. Licensed CC0.

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