# Human Plasma Cell Maturation & Maintenance through CD138, TNFRSF, and Modulation of Ig Secretion

> **NIH NIH R01** · EMORY UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $771,898

## Abstract

Abstract:
Human long-lived plasma cells (LLPC) reside in the bone marrow (BM) and are responsible for the long-term
maintenance of serum antibody levels. The BM microniche provides important factors to fundamentally
transform early-minted antibody secreting cells (ASC) into LLPC for which CD138 and BCMA - a member of
the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) - play an important role. In this application, we explore old and new
CD138 binding factors in the BM microniche and long-established and newly discovered TNFRSF members in
the development of LLPC, as well as understanding how modulating the high energy function of antibody
secretion determines LLPC survival. If successful, this application will provide the basic mechanisms important
for durable vaccine design.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10792922
- **Project number:** 5R01AI172254-02
- **Recipient organization:** EMORY UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Frances Eun-Hyung Lee
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $771,898
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-02-21 → 2028-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10792922

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10792922, Human Plasma Cell Maturation & Maintenance through CD138, TNFRSF, and Modulation of Ig Secretion (5R01AI172254-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10792922. Licensed CC0.

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