Investigating how lipid kinases affect immune cell function and metabolism
Official title: Chemical proteomic investigation of lipid kinase specificity and druggability
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11021100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain enzymes called diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) affect the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to boost immune responses in cancer treatment by blocking specific types of these enzymes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | January 13, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $354,866 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169412-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer who may benefit from therapies aimed at boosting immune cell activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not experiencing immune suppression may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), which are enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular signaling by converting diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid. By understanding how these enzymes work, particularly their active sites and how they interact with other molecules, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for enhancing immune responses, especially in cancer treatment. The study will involve both laboratory experiments and analysis of genetic and clinical data to explore how inhibiting specific DGK isoforms can improve the activity of immune cells in tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting lipid kinases for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsu, Ku-Lung — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Hsu, Ku-Lung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Translating new nerve grafts to clinical use
Aims to bring advanced nerve graft technology that uses PEG-fusion and localized immunosuppression to patients with nerve gaps.
-
GABA-A receptor gating mechanisms and how drugs affect them
Researchers are studying how GABA-A receptor gates work and how medicines can modulate them to help people with epilepsy, Alzheimer's-related symptoms, and other brain disorders.
-
Nanoparticles that calm inflammation after artery procedures
A new nanoparticle inspired by dying cells is being tested to reduce inflammation after artery procedures and help PAD patients heal better.
-
Silent speech interface using a wearable tongue tracker to help people after laryngectomy communicate
A wearable system with tongue sensors and intraoral components aims to let people without a vocal cord use natural-sounding speech in daily life.
-
Understanding and reversing abnormal brain activity in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how unusual brain activity contributes to Alzheimer’s and test ways to reverse it to help people with the condition.
-
CFDE Cloud Workspace to help researchers share and analyze data
A cloud-based workspace will let a wide range of researchers import, integrate, and analyze data from CFDE and other sources using familiar tools and workflows.
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.