How cancer-fighting CD8 T cells change and use energy
Transcriptional and metabolic heterogeneity in T cell differentiation
This work looks at ways to reprogram CD8 T cells so cancer immunotherapies work better for people with tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309631 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping how individual CD8+ T cells change inside tumors using single-cell CRISPR screening and other single-cell techniques. They identified two gene programs (Rbpj–Irf1 and Ets1–Batf) that steer T cells toward more or less effective states and alter their metabolism. By targeting these genes in mice, the team increased the proportion of T cells that remain responsive and improved tumor control. They also found links between these gene patterns and responses in human cancer patients, suggesting relevance to people receiving immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers being considered for T cell–based immunotherapies or clinical trials of immunotherapy would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical programs.
Not a fit: People without cancer, or patients whose tumors lack T cell involvement or who are not eligible for immunotherapy, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapies like adoptive cell transfer and checkpoint blockade more effective by producing more functional anti-tumor T cells.
How similar studies have performed: Related strategies to enhance T cell function have shown promise in animal models and some clinical settings, but deliberate reprogramming of exhausted T cells is still an emerging and actively studied approach.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chi, Hongbo — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chi, Hongbo
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.