How metabolic signals affect the function of immune cells involved in cancer and autoimmune diseases
Official title: Metabolic signaling dictates context-dependent Treg cell functional heterogeneity
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC · NIH-10998984 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way Treg cells use energy affects their ability to help or hinder the immune system, which is important for people with cancer or autoimmune diseases, and the goal is to find better treatments that could improve immunotherapy and manage these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186413-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998984 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cancer or autoimmune diseases who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions that do not involve immune dysregulation may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolic signaling influences the behavior of regulatory T (Treg) cells, which are crucial for maintaining immune balance but can also hinder cancer treatment. By examining how these cells differentiate and function in various environments, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that dictate their roles in both promoting and suppressing immune responses. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze Treg cell metabolism and its impact on their effectiveness in fighting tumors and managing autoimmune conditions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes for autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Treg cell functions and their metabolic regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norton, Erienne Grace — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, LLC
- Study coordinator: Norton, Erienne Grace
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.