How zeaxanthin in diet can boost immune response against tumors
Official title: Dietary nutrient zeaxanthin enhances anti-tumor immunity by reprogramming CD8+ T cell function
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11071760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a nutrient called zeaxanthin might help boost the immune system's ability to fight tumors, especially by improving the function of certain immune cells, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to support cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2025 |
| Project end | April 16, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $46,827 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA290897-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071760 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have advanced cancer or are not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the dietary nutrient zeaxanthin can enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors, particularly by reprogramming CD8+ T cells. The study utilizes a proprietary blood nutrient library to screen various nutrients and their effects on T cell function. Preliminary findings suggest that zeaxanthin improves T cell-mediated tumor cell killing and reduces tumor growth in animal models. The research aims to validate these effects in different preclinical models to understand zeaxanthin's potential as an immunotherapy adjunct.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy outcomes through dietary interventions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Freya Qi — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Freya Qi
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.