Regulatory immune cells in fat that help control metabolism
Adipose-tissue Tregs: important players in immunological control of metabolism
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11374114
This research looks at whether special immune 'regulatory T' cells in belly fat affect insulin sensitivity and how fat precursor cells become mature fat cells in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11374114 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are studying immune regulatory T cells that live in visceral (belly) fat to see how they influence metabolism and insulin resistance. They will use gene-expression studies, mouse models, and lab tests on fat precursor cells to track how these Tregs change fat-cell development, turnover, and scarring. The team is focusing on molecules like PPARγ and Oncostatin that may control these effects. Results may point to immune-related targets to improve metabolic health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or excess visceral fat would be the most relevant group to benefit from or participate in related human studies.
Not a fit: People with normal insulin sensitivity and no metabolic disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to improve insulin sensitivity or prevent harmful fat-tissue changes by targeting immune cells in adipose tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and early translational work has suggested adipose-resident Tregs affect metabolism, but turning those findings into human treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MATHIS, DIANE J — HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- Study coordinator: MATHIS, DIANE J
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus