Metabolic clues to why regulatory T cells stop working in atherosclerosis
Official title: Metabolic mechanisms of Regulatory T Cell Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11432897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how certain fat-related molecules affect immune cells in arteries to understand why regulatory T cells stop protecting against artery disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,476 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201713-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with or at risk for ASCVD or those with inflammatory conditions where oxPLs are elevated; findings may translate to future human studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without ASCVD or related inflammatory conditions may not directly benefit from this specific basic-science work.
What this research studies
The project looks at how oxPLs, molecules formed during inflammation, alter the metabolism and function of regulatory T cells in atherosclerosis. Using animal models and cellular studies, researchers will examine pathways involving metabolites like 2-ketoglutarate and acetyl-CoA to see how Tregs become less suppressive and contribute to disease. The goal is to identify metabolic targets that could be manipulated to restore Treg function and reduce plaque buildup. Results could guide new therapies aimed at stabilizing blood vessels and preventing heart attacks or strokes. Vanderbilt University Medical Center leads this work with a focus on translating basic findings toward therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal metabolic targets to restore Treg function and potentially reduce atherosclerosis progression.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest oxPLs promote a Th1-like shift in Tregs and influence their protective role in plaques, supporting the relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Major, Amy S — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Major, Amy S
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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.