# MR1 and MAIT Cell Function in Intestinal Infection

> **NIH NIH R01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $621,741

## Abstract

Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an evolutionarily conserved subset of innate-like T cells that
localize preferentially to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and recognize microbial vitamin metabolite antigens.
However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of protective MAIT cell functions and their regulation in
intestinal immunity are not known. Our long-term goal is to understand the role and function of MAIT cells in
intestinal immunity. Based on our Preliminary Studies, we hypothesize that MAIT cells play a protective role
during intestinal infection with Salmonella typhimurium or Citrobacter rodentium. Using a newly established,
traceable MAIT TCR retrogenic mouse model, we will test our central hypothesis in the following three specific
aims: in Aim 1, we will define the antigen-presenting cells systemically and in the intestinal tract that are critical
for MAIT cell activation during infection. In Aim 2, we will determine the role of MAIT cells in early, innate and
late, adaptive immunity during intestinal infection with S. typhimurium or C. rodentium. In Aim 3, we will utilize
targeted, antigen-mediated activation of MAIT cells to determine the therapeutic potential of MR1/MAIT cells to
enhance protective intestinal immunity. Together, these studies will define the role of MAIT cells in intestinal
infection and will lay the foundation to target these cells to enhance protective intestinal immune responses.
Together, these studies are expected to significantly advance our understanding of MR1/MAIT cell biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9939447
- **Project number:** 5R01AI125322-05
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Manfred Brigl
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $621,741
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-06-09 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9939447

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9939447, MR1 and MAIT Cell Function in Intestinal Infection (5R01AI125322-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9939447. Licensed CC0.

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