How tumor metabolism blocks T cells in clear cell kidney cancer
Official title: Metabolic barriers to T cell activation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11305244 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2018 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $521,263 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA217987-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11305244 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rathmell, Jeffrey C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rathmell, Jeffrey C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how kidney cancer spreads to bone and how to fight it
A patient-focused look at how clear cell renal cell carcinoma spreads to bone and how new treatments might help people with advanced disease.
-
Improve precision medicine for kidney cancer in people of African descent
A research project will explore why kidney cancer affects people of African ancestry differently and how to use genomics to guide better treatments.
-
Engineering immunogenic cell death to boost melanoma and kidney cancer therapy
This grant supports research aimed at making melanoma and kidney cancer cells die in a way that triggers a stronger immune response in patients.
-
Prognostic test to predict metastasis in clear cell kidney cancer
A new 12-marker biomarker test for people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma may help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk of metastasis.
-
Defining metabolic targets in kidney cancer for new treatments
A cancer-focused project is exploring how kidney cancer uses metabolism so doctors can find new, targeted ways to treat it.
-
Targeting HIF2 in kidney cancer: a new approach for clear cell RCC
A kidney cancer research program tests whether blocking HIF2 can slow or stop tumors in people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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.