Alzheimer's disease and cancer immunity: how mitochondrial lipids in T-cells affect aging-related cancer control
Official title: Determining the Link Between Alzheimer's Disease and Improved Anti-Cancer Immunity via Regulation of Mitochondrial Ceramide Metabolism in T-Cells
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11441839 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how changes in mitochondria and lipid metabolism in T-cells of people with Alzheimer's disease might boost or hinder cancer immunity as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $443,940 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG104132-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441839 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease or older adults at risk for cancer who may donate blood or immune cells for research.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer's disease or not involved in immune studies are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
If you have Alzheimer's disease or age-related cancer risk, this project looks at why AD patients sometimes show different cancer patterns. Researchers will study how amyloid-related changes in mitochondria influence ceramide signals in T-cells and how that affects their ability to fight cancer. The work uses patient-related samples and cellular models to connect brain disease biology with immune cell function. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments that support good immune responses against cancer in aging individuals. Results could point to strategies that improve T-cell energy and anti-tumor activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of T-cell metabolism in AD could lead to new ways to boost cancer immunity in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests links between mitochondrial function, ceramide metabolism, and T-cell activity in aging, but this specific AD-cancer immune connection is investigational.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogretmen, Besim — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ogretmen, Besim
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.