How immune cell metabolism helps trigger allergic asthma
Metabolic perturbations in conventional dendritic cells modulate Tfh13 induction in asthmatic sensitization
This project looks at whether changes in the energy use of certain immune cells cause the antibody response that leads to allergic asthma, which could help people with allergy-driven asthma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239030 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study dendritic cells, a type of immune cell that helps decide how other immune cells respond to allergens. In lab models they will measure changes in glutamine use and TCA cycle metabolites (like α-ketoglutarate and succinate) after allergen exposure. They will test how those metabolic changes push helper T cells toward the Tfh13 type that promotes IgE antibodies and allergic reactions. The team will also test whether the same metabolic signals appear in human dendritic cells or blood samples to see if the findings apply to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with allergic (IgE-driven) asthma or allergy sufferers willing to provide blood samples or participate in translational immune studies at the research site.
Not a fit: People with non-allergic asthma or asthma not driven by IgE antibodies are unlikely to see direct benefits from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or reduce allergy-driven IgE production and decrease allergic asthma attacks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior immune-metabolism studies show metabolism can shape immune cell behavior, but linking dendritic cell glutamine/TCA changes specifically to Tfh13-driven IgE production is a new and relatively untested idea.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Rebecca Kelley — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Martin, Rebecca Kelley
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.