Finding ways to boost T cell function in cancer treatment
Official title: Identifying metabolic targets to reinvigorate T cell exhaustion
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11161744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to boost the power of your immune cells, called CD8+ T cells, which help fight infections and cancer, by understanding how their energy use changes when they get tired, so we can find better treatments for cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186227-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11161744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers where T cell exhaustion is a significant barrier to effective treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or whose immune response is not significantly impacted by T cell exhaustion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to improve the function of CD8+ T cells, which are vital for fighting infections and tumors. It focuses on understanding the metabolic changes that occur when these T cells become exhausted and less effective. By exploring how altering their metabolism can rejuvenate these cells, the research aims to enhance their ability to respond to cancer therapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach involves advanced techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze metabolic pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing T cell function through metabolic modulation, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cha, Minsun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cha, Minsun
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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.