# Immunoprotective Properties of Tissue-resident Memory T Cells in Mice and Humans within Mucosal Sites

> **NIH NIH R01** · FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER · 2020 · $662,578

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The goal of this project is to thoroughly define the immunoprotective role of tissue resident T cells (TRM) against
viral pathogens. Underlying our proposed experiments is the idea that TRM have the ability to rapidly contain
viruses within microscopic tissue microenvironments over rapid timeframes. Therefore, we focus on critical
features of TRM such as gene expression profile, homeostasis, apoptosis and trafficking, before, during and at
multiple time points following clearance of a mucosal virus within microscopic sites of infection. In Aim 1, we
propose studying the specific role of antigen specific and non-specific tissue resident CD8+ T-cells, as well as
tissue resident CD4+ T-cells, during rapid containment of virus in murine vaginal tissue microenvironments. In
Aim 2, we interrogate the infection microenvironments in mice following clearance of virus with the specific
goal of measuring rates of TRM apoptosis, homeostasis, intra-mucosal trafficking and activation status over time
frames of weeks. These parameters will ultimately be evaluated for their relationship to waning protection
following re-exposure to virus at various time intervals. In Aim 3, we employ human studies to assess kinetics
of genital HSV-2 containment and cytokine response within single infection microenvironments, as well as
localization of TRM at multiple time points following viral containment. These studies are designed to verify
relevance of specific components of the mouse model to human immunity, and to provide data for design and
validation of mathematical models, the goal of which is to identify a threshold quantity and spatial distribution of
TRM necessary for rapid viral containment. The model will also help identify why TRM do not provide
comprehensive protection against reactivating HSV-2.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9959310
- **Project number:** 5R01AI121129-05
- **Recipient organization:** FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer M Lund
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $662,578
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-07-01 → 2022-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9959310

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9959310, Immunoprotective Properties of Tissue-resident Memory T Cells in Mice and Humans within Mucosal Sites (5R01AI121129-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9959310. Licensed CC0.

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