How metabolism shapes the immune response in breast cancer
Metabolic Control of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Breast Cancer
This project looks at whether changing how immune cells use energy can help the immune system fight breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045696 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Washington University are examining immune cells taken from breast tumors and patient blood to understand how certain regulatory T cells (including γδ Treg cells) suppress anti-tumor immunity. They will study how these Treg cells cause other immune cells like T cells and dendritic cells to enter a tired or senescent state and how that changes their use of fats and sugars. The team will test how signaling through receptors such as TLR8 alters immune-cell metabolism and whether blocking those pathways can reverse senescence. Ultimately they will use patient-derived samples and laboratory models to develop strategies that could make immunotherapy work better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are willing to provide tumor tissue or blood samples, especially those with advanced or treatment-resistant disease, would be ideal to help this work.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those seeking an immediate new treatment option are unlikely to get direct clinical benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to boost anti-tumor immunity and improve immunotherapy for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting immune-cell metabolism has shown promise in preclinical studies, but the specific role of γδ Treg-induced senescence is a newly described mechanism that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Guangyong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Peng, Guangyong
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.