NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Investigating how glutamine metabolism affects immune cell development in soft-tissue sarcomas

Official title: The Role of Glutamine Metabolism in Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cell Differentiation in the Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Microenvironment

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10888984 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a nutrient called glutamine affects certain immune cells in soft-tissue sarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to boost the immune response and improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startJuly 8, 2021
Project endJuly 7, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$36,413
NIH project number5F30CA265069-04
Project IDNIH-10888984 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcomas who may be eligible for immunotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcomas may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of glutamine metabolism in the differentiation of immune cells called monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) within the soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) microenvironment. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that inhibit Mo-DC differentiation, which is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating STS. By exploring how glutamine is utilized by these immune cells, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel treatments targeting the immune response in STS.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with soft-tissue sarcomas.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through metabolic interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lobel, Graham — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Lobel, Graham

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.