How tumors trigger lipid-driven death in CD8+ immune cells
Role of lipid metabolism in CD8+ T cell ferroptosis
This work looks at how tumors cause certain CD8+ immune cells to die from harmful lipid changes, which could matter for people with cancers like melanoma and multiple myeloma.
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 ID | NIH-11191537 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare immune cells taken from patients' tumors and from blood to find gene patterns that show lipid damage and ferroptosis in CD8+ T cells. They focus on two types of tumor-fighting CD8+ cells (effector memory and terminal effector) that appear especially sensitive to this lipid-driven death. The project uses single-cell RNA sequencing from patient samples, mouse tumor models, and lab tests on isolated T cells to confirm which cells die and why. By pinpointing the pathways involved, the team aims to identify ways to protect these T cells so they can better attack cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that have tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells—especially melanoma or multiple myeloma patients—would be the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose conditions do not involve CD8+ T cell dysfunction are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to ways to protect anti-tumor CD8+ T cells and improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation to cell death, but applying those findings specifically to tumor-infiltrating CD8+ TEM and TTE cells is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- 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 below.