Investigating how certain enzymes affect T cell immunity in lymphoma treatment
Official title: Elucidating the role of the Branched Chain Aminotransferases (BCATc and BCATm) as novel metabolic checkpoints of anti-lymphoma T cell immunity
Funded at Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr · NIH-10291201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain nutrients called branched chain amino acids affect the way immune cells called T cells work in lymphoma, with the goal of finding better ways to help these cells fight cancer during treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Des Moines, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $443,548 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA249796-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10291201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with lymphoma who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lymphoma who are not eligible for immunotherapy or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and their metabolism in T cell function within the lymphoma microenvironment. The study aims to explore how the enzymes BCATc and BCATm influence T cell activation and performance, particularly in the context of immunotherapy for lymphoma. By examining the metabolic pathways of T cells, the researchers hope to identify new strategies to enhance T cell efficacy against cancer cells, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes for patients. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of patient samples to assess the impact of these metabolic checkpoints on T cell functionality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for lymphoma patients, improving their chances of long-term remission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways to enhance T cell responses, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr
West Des Moines, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ananieva-Stoyanova, Elitsa Antonova — Des Moines Univ Osteopathic Medical Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ananieva-Stoyanova, Elitsa Antonova
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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.