Dietary trans-vaccenic acid boosts the immune response against tumors
Official title: Dietary trans-vaccenic acid enhances anti-tumor immunity
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10985006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fatty acid found in some foods might help boost the immune system's ability to fight tumors, which could make cancer treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 7, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $375,150 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276568-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with cancer who are undergoing or considering anti-cancer therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary substances, specifically trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), can enhance the body's immune response to tumors. By analyzing a library of blood chemicals derived from diet, the study aims to identify which substances can improve the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. The researchers focus on how TVA activates T cells and prevents their exhaustion, potentially leading to better outcomes for cancer patients. This approach combines dietary science with immunotherapy to explore new avenues for cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or supplements that enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using dietary components to influence cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jing — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jing
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.