Federal Grant Award Summary

Emory University received a $234,750 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective May 22, 2026, with completion targeted for April 30, 2028. The research project focuses on recovering CD8 T cell memory responses in hosts with chronic infections through Janus kinase 1/2 (JAK1/2) inhibition. The study will examine how JAK inhibitor treatment can restore normal T memory differentiation in animal models, addressing the compromised vaccine and infection responses observed in individuals with preexisting chronic infections. Research deliverables include high-dimensional flow cytometry profiling of antigen-specific T cells and comprehensive transcriptional and epigenetic analysis of memory T cell populations under various treatment conditions.

The project addresses a critical immunological challenge: individuals with chronic infections typically exhibit inferior responses to subsequent vaccinations and acute infections due to altered differentiation of memory T cells. By dissecting the molecular and epigenetic profiles of inflammation-associated memory T cells using advanced laboratory techniques, this research seeks to develop therapeutic interventions that restore protective immune recall responses. The findings are intended to inform strategies for improving vaccine efficacy and infectious disease management in chronically infected populations, contributing to the scientific knowledge base supported by NIAID's mission to advance understanding of infectious diseases and immunological disorders.