How tumor metabolism blocks T cells in clear cell kidney cancer
Metabolic barriers to T cell activation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Looking at whether changing how tumors use nutrients helps immune T cells attack clear cell kidney cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305244 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at immune cells taken from surgically removed clear cell kidney tumors to see how the tumor environment affects T cell activation. Researchers measure nutrients like glucose and glutamine in the tumor and study how glutamine metabolism can restrain T cell function. They use lab models and animal experiments to find which glutamine-dependent enzymes or metabolites (for example glutaminase and PI3K-related pathways) blunt immune responses. The goal is to identify targets that could be blocked to restore T cell activity and improve responses to immune checkpoint therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially those having tumor surgery who can donate tissue or who may enroll in future metabolism-targeting trials.
Not a fit: People with other types of kidney cancer, non-cancer conditions, or who cannot undergo surgery or immunotherapy may be unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new treatments that make immunotherapy work better for people with clear cell kidney cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other preclinical studies show tumor metabolism can suppress T cells and early trials targeting metabolic pathways are promising, but applying these approaches specifically to clear cell kidney cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rathmell, Jeffrey C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rathmell, Jeffrey 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.