# T follicular helper (Tfh) CD4+ T cell, germinal center, and antibody response dysfunction in human recurrent tonsillitis

> **NIH NIH U19** · LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY · 2020 · $779,589

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Project 1
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. It has
remained a longstanding mystery why some children are susceptible to recurrent tonsillitis. Tonsillectomies are
among 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.
Completion of this study could help identify children who are likely to be susceptible to recurrent strep throat,
and mechanistic studies proposed herein could allow for rational design of countermeasures to prevent the
disease in the future.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9889890
- **Project number:** 5U19AI142742-02
- **Recipient organization:** LA JOLLA INSTITUTE FOR IMMUNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Shane P Crotty
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $779,589
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9889890

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9889890, T follicular helper (Tfh) CD4+ T cell, germinal center, and antibody response dysfunction in human recurrent tonsillitis (5U19AI142742-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9889890. Licensed CC0.

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