How tumors affect the death of immune cells called CD8+ T cells
Official title: Role of lipid metabolism in CD8+ T cell ferroptosis
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-10931709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tumors can harm a type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells, which are important for fighting cancer, by causing them to break down and die; researchers are examining these cells in melanoma patients to find ways to help keep them healthy and working properly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,310 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those with melanoma or multiple myeloma, who have tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those whose immune systems are not significantly affected by tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tumors and their surrounding environment can cause a specific type of immune cell, known as CD8+ T cells, to undergo a process called ferroptosis, leading to their dysfunction and death. By analyzing genetic data from T cells in melanoma patients, the researchers found that tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells show increased signs of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis compared to healthy individuals. The study focuses on different subpopulations of CD8+ T cells, particularly those that are more sensitive to this process, to understand the mechanisms involved and potentially find ways to protect these immune cells in cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies by preventing the death of CD8+ T cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of T cell dysfunction in cancer, making this approach a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Qing — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yi, Qing
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.