How changing cell metabolism can improve immune responses against tumors
Official title: Modulation of CD8+ T cell differentiation and anti-tumor immunity by metabolic manipulation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10953913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changing the way certain immune cells called CD8+ T cells use energy can help them better fight tumors, especially focusing on a special group of these cells that might help create a stronger and longer-lasting immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03TR004611-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may benefit from enhanced CD8+ T cell responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not involve CD8+ T cell responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how altering the metabolism of CD8+ T cells can enhance their ability to fight tumors. The focus is on a specific subset of these cells, known as TCF1+ progenitor cells, which are believed to provide a more lasting immune response. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate metabolic pathways, the researchers aim to identify key enzymes that influence the differentiation of these immune cells. The ultimate goal is to improve the effectiveness of anti-tumor therapies by understanding and enhancing the metabolic processes involved in T cell function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the immune system's ability to target and destroy tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in manipulating T cell metabolism to improve immune responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markowitz, Geoffrey Joseph — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Markowitz, Geoffrey Joseph
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.