How tumor and immune cell metabolism shapes the immune response in cancer
Role of metabolic crosstalk in determining immunity during tumor progression
This project uses new computer models and lab methods to understand how cancer cells and immune cells compete for nutrients so treatments can better help people with tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099915 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is examining metabolic interactions between cancer cells and immune cells inside tumors to see how those interactions weaken immune responses as tumors progress. They combine a computational flux model called Compass with laboratory techniques that map metabolic activity at the single-cell level and in tissue sections. Using tumor samples and experimental models, they will trace how metabolic competition and symbiosis influence immune cells like CD8 T cells and how those changes affect response to immune therapies. The work aims to point to metabolic targets or strategies that could strengthen anti-tumor immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults with solid tumors who can provide tumor tissue samples or are receiving immunotherapy and can be seen at Brigham and Women's Hospital or collaborating sites.
Not a fit: People without cancer, patients with cancers that are not driven by the same tumor microenvironment factors, or those unable to provide tissue samples would be unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to boost immune cell function in tumors and make immunotherapies work better for more patients.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell metabolic profiling and related studies have provided useful insights into tumor-immune interactions, but combining Compass flux modeling with in situ metabolic mapping is a newer approach with promising early results yet not proven in clinical practice.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Ana C — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Ana C
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.