Excessive lipid metabolism in T cell aging and tumor immunosuppression
Official title: Excessive lipid metabolism in T cell senescence and immunosuppression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11377564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies why certain T cells become dysfunctional in tumors and how high-fat metabolism contributes to this, with the goal of making immunotherapies work better for cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173260-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Cancer patients, particularly those with breast cancer or tumors where T cell immunotherapies are considered.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit include those without relevant tumor biopsy material or those not eligible for immunotherapy approaches.
What this research studies
Researchers are exploring how lipid metabolism affects CD8+ T cells that infiltrate tumors. They want to understand how senescent T cells and regulatory T cells in the tumor environment cooperate to suppress immune responses. The work involves examining human tumor samples and experimental models to identify molecular pathways that drive T cell dysfunction. Findings could guide new strategies to enhance effective anti-tumor T cell activity. The project aims to translate these insights into improved therapies for people with breast cancer and other cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to smarter immunotherapies that overcome tumor suppression and improve responses for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown T cell dysfunction in tumors, with ongoing research building toward practical therapeutic approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Guangyong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Peng, Guangyong
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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.