How antibodies in fat tissue affect inflammation and blood sugar
IgG and Adipose Pathological Remodeling
This project looks at whether antibodies that build up in fat make inflammation and blood sugar control worse for people with obesity or type 2 diabetes, and whether lowering or blocking those antibodies could help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11293450 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would learn that researchers study how IgG antibodies collect in white fat and change how fat cells work. They use mouse models where they add IgG or remove the IgG recycling protein FcRn in immune cells to see effects on weight, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. They test an antisense oligonucleotide that blocks FcRn as a possible way to lower harmful IgG in fat. The team also compares findings to human adipose tissue samples to guide future treatment ideas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly those with poor blood sugar control or signs of metabolic inflammation, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without obesity or type 2 diabetes, such as those with type 1 diabetes or metabolic problems not driven by adipose inflammation, are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that reduce fat inflammation and improve insulin resistance and blood sugar control in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown IgG accumulates in fat and that blocking FcRn in immune cells can prevent diet-induced inflammation and metabolic problems, but translating this approach to people is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrante, Anthony W — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ferrante, Anthony W
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 below.