How Cytokines and Metabolism Control Immune Cells in Fat Tissue
Cytokine and Metabolic Regulation of Adipose-tissue Tregs
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11131119
This project explores how immune cells in fat tissue, called Tregs, are controlled by the body's signals and metabolism, which could help us understand and address obesity-related diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes are a big health concern, often linked to ongoing inflammation in fat tissue. We know that special immune cells called Tregs in fat tissue help keep inflammation in check and promote good metabolic health. However, in people with obesity, these helpful Tregs decrease and lose their protective qualities, making metabolic problems worse. This project aims to discover the specific signals from the body and metabolic processes that keep these Tregs healthy, and how these processes go wrong in obesity. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new ways to protect against obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with obesity-associated metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this foundational understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose metabolic disorders are not linked to adipose tissue inflammation or the specific immune cells (Tregs) studied here may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect and restore the helpful immune cells in fat tissue, potentially preventing or treating obesity-related metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of Tregs in metabolic health is an active area of investigation, this project uses novel genetic and biochemical tools to uncover specific mechanisms, building on existing knowledge but exploring new pathways.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, CHAORAN — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LI, CHAORAN
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus