Targeting CD4 T cell metabolism to reduce inflammation in autoimmune disease
Exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities of CD4 T cell subsets to control inflammatory disease
Researchers are trying to block a metabolism enzyme in certain CD4 immune cells to calm harmful inflammation in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262862 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Chicago aim to shift the balance between inflammatory effector CD4 T cells and protective regulatory T cells by changing how these cells use nutrients. They focus on one‑carbon metabolism and the enzyme MTHFD2, which lab and animal work showed helps harmful effector T cells grow while limiting regulatory T cells. The team used an in vivo CRISPR screen in models of inflammatory bowel disease and also studied human T cells to see how blocking MTHFD2 changes these cell types. Findings could point to drugs that selectively reduce disease-driving T cells while sparing or boosting protective ones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with autoimmune conditions driven by CD4 T cell inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies or sample-donation opportunities.
Not a fit: Patients whose disease is not driven by CD4 T cells or whose inflammation has non-immune causes are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that lower autoimmune inflammation by targeting harmful T cells while preserving immune regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies targeting immune cell metabolism and using antifolate strategies have shown promising preclinical results, but clinical testing in patients is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rathmell, Jeffrey C — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rathmell, Jeffrey C
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.