Role of lipid metabolism in CD8+ T cell ferroptosis
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11384729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how fats and a deadly cell-scare called ferroptosis affect CD8+ T cells in cancer, with the goal of improving how the immune system fights tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $484,536 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278787-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Cancer patients, particularly those with melanoma or multiple myeloma, whose T cells are involved in anti-tumor responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not involve ferroptosis pathways or who are not eligible for immunotherapy studies may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers discovered that tumors and their environment can cause CD8+ T cells to dysfunction or die through ferroptosis, a form of lipid-related cell death. The project will analyze patient samples and animal models to understand which CD8+ T cell subtypes are most vulnerable and how lipid metabolism genes drive this process. By studying bone marrow and tumor-infiltrating T cells, the team aims to identify targets that could protect or restore effective T cell responses in cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies that preserve or enhance CD8+ T cell function to improve cancer immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked ferroptosis to T cell dysfunction in tumors, but this project aims to translate those findings into targeted immune-boosting strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Qing — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yi, Qing
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.