Investigating how antioxidants affect T cell memory responses in cancer treatment
Anti-oxidant and Metabolic Phenotype in Regulating Tumor Specific T cell Memory Response
This study is looking at how to make cancer treatments using T cells work better by boosting a special molecule called thioredoxin-1, which helps T cells survive longer and fight tumors more effectively, so it could lead to improved outcomes for patients receiving adoptive cell therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10741787 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing adoptive cell therapy (ACT) for cancer by improving the persistence and effectiveness of T cells that target tumors. The study explores the role of thioredoxin-1, an antioxidant molecule, in promoting a specific type of T cell known as central memory T cells, which are crucial for long-term immune responses. By engineering T cells to overexpress thioredoxin-1, researchers aim to increase their ability to survive and function in the tumor environment, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients. The research involves both animal models and engineered human T cells to assess metabolic changes and immune responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific types of cancer who are considering or undergoing adoptive T cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have tumors or those who are not eligible for T cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing T cell therapies through metabolic and antioxidant strategies, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehrotra, Shikhar — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Mehrotra, Shikhar
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.