How ketone bodies affect immune responses in T cells
Ketone Body Metabolism in CD8+ T Cell Responses
This study is looking at how ketone bodies, which are substances made by the body, help a type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells work better when fighting infections, and it could lead to new ways to boost your immune system through diet or other changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082201 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ketone bodies, a type of metabolite, in the functioning of CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. It aims to understand how these metabolites influence T cell metabolism and their ability to respond to infections. By using advanced techniques to profile metabolites in living organisms, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which ketone bodies support T cell activity, particularly during later stages of an immune response. The findings could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses through dietary or metabolic interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect their immune response, such as infections or those undergoing immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have immune-related conditions or those who are not undergoing treatments that involve T cell activation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance the immune response against infections and potentially improve vaccination strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results regarding the role of metabolites in immune function, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Grand Rapids, United States
- Van Andel Research Institute — Grand Rapids, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Russell — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Jones, Russell
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.