# Antigen-specific NK cell memory

> **NIH NIH P01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $1,062,410

## Abstract

Traditionally natural killer (NK) cells are characterized as nonspecific effector cells, providing rapid
recognition and lysis of virus-infected and neoplastic cells. However, recent work has shown that NK cells can
demonstrate features of adaptive memory, including long-lived epigenetic modification intracellular γ-chain
deficient (FcγR∆g) memory-like NK cells that require antibodies to grant antigen-specificity. Importantly, we
have recently demonstrated for the first time evidence of antigen-specific NK cell memory in any
primate species by characterizing HIV/SIV-specific NK cells in RM and showing an expansion of
FcγR∆g NK cells in both HIV and SIV infections. Harnessing antibody mediated effector functions for HIV-1
vaccines will require a better understanding of effector cell biology, including the function and location (i.e.
mucosal, systemic) of these newly identified memory-like NK cells and the interplay with FcR and Ig
polymorphisms (with Project 1, 2). This Project will explore the specific hypothesis that polymorphisms in
FcγRs (and Ig) in RM will modulate binding to memory natural killer cells and other effector cells thus
influencing vaccine responses and subsequent protection against SHIV challenge. The specific aims for
Project 3 are as follows:
AIM 1: Determine FcγR expression and memory NK cell profiles in humans and RM.
AIM 2: Determine functional differences between human and RM polymorphic FcγRs
AIM 3: Perform a RM passive immunization study with defined FcγR genotypes/NK cell phenotype

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9925745
- **Project number:** 5P01AI120756-05
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** GEORGIA Doris TOMARAS
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,062,410
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9925745

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9925745, Antigen-specific NK cell memory (5P01AI120756-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-14 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9925745. Licensed CC0.

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