How glutamine levels shape immune cells that drive autoimmune reactions
Role of glutamine metabolism in Dendritic Cell Development
This project looks at whether local glutamine availability changes how precursor immune cells turn into dendritic cells that can trigger or calm autoimmune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171718 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying how the nutrient glutamine in tissues affects the development of two key types of dendritic cells that direct immune attacks. They will track circulating precursor cells as they enter tissues and measure how glutamine uptake and conversion to glutamate influence which dendritic cell type they become. The team will manipulate glutamine availability and metabolism in lab models and analyze molecular changes in the differentiating cells to pinpoint the steps controlled by glutamine. Findings may come from a mix of cell studies, animal models, and analysis of human blood or tissue samples linked to autoimmune conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune diseases who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples or to participate in future trials targeting immune metabolism would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without immune-driven conditions (for example isolated trauma or purely genetic disorders unrelated to immune activity) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to shift immune cell development by targeting glutamine metabolism, which might reduce harmful autoimmune inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior immunometabolism research has shown metabolic control can alter immune cell function in animals and cells, but applying glutamine control specifically to dendritic cell subset decisions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haldar, Malay — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Haldar, Malay
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.