How lipid antigens in fat tissue drive inflammation in Type 2 diabetes
Lipid Antigen Presentation as a Driver of T2D Inflammation
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11144457
This research looks at whether fat-derived lipid molecules trigger immune reactions that cause inflammation and insulin resistance in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144457 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mice engineered to carry the human immune proteins that present lipid antigens because ordinary mouse models lack those pathways. They will also study human immune cells and tissues in the lab to see which fat-derived lipids make immune cells react. The team aims to identify specific lipid antigens that initiate chronic inflammation in adipose tissue and link to autoantibodies seen in T2D. Findings are intended to open new directions for therapies that target lipid-driven inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with Type 2 diabetes who are willing to provide blood or adipose tissue samples or participate in observational lab-based research would be the best match.
Not a fit: People without Type 2 diabetes, those with Type 1 diabetes, or anyone unwilling or unable to provide samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new targets for anti-inflammatory therapies that improve insulin sensitivity and slow progression of Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior work used standard mouse models and has not identified lipid initiators, so using human CD1-expressing models and human cells represents a largely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NICHOLAS, DEQUINA ANGELINA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: NICHOLAS, DEQUINA ANGELINA
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