How immune cell metabolism influences immune responses
Metabolic checkpoint in dendritic cell subsets and adaptive immunity
Researchers are exploring how the fuel use inside certain immune cells (dendritic cells) shapes T cell responses to help people with cancer or inflammatory diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 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-11239756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how small metabolic pathways inside dendritic cells control what T cells do and how the immune system responds. Scientists combine cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, and animal models of cancer and inflammation to map signaling and metabolic programs. They aim to find metabolic checkpoints that could be targeted to change immune responses. If successful, these discoveries could point to new treatment strategies to boost anti-cancer immunity or calm harmful inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions are the most likely groups to benefit or to be eligible for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to immune system dysfunction (for example, many purely structural or genetic disorders) may not see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new targets for therapies that strengthen anti-cancer immunity or reduce damaging inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that changing immune cell metabolism can alter immune responses, but turning those findings into reliable human treatments is still emerging.
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.