Understanding how a immune signal (CCL22-CCR4) helps fat cells become energy-burning beige fat
Official title: Deciphering the Function of the CCL22-CCR4 Axis in Adipose Beiging and Obesity
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11449778 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice and humans explores how an immune signal called CCL22 and its partner CCR4 help fat tissue turn into energy-burning beige fat, which could help combat obesity and diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 24, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $777,090 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK144044-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449778 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with obesity or metabolic syndrome who could participate in future translational studies or accept related blood/tissue sampling.
✕Less likely to help
The study is primarily preclinical; participants without obesity-related metabolic concerns may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why beige fat cells decline with aging and obesity and tests how blocking or boosting the CCL22-CCR4 signal affects beige fat formation. Using genetic mouse models and cell tracing, researchers will map how immune signals in fat tissue control beige progenitor cells and their conversion into thermogenic fat. The work also examines whether delivering CCL22 into fat tissue can promote beiging, or whether blocking it can prevent beiging, to understand potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify immune-based approaches to increase energy expenditure through beige fat, offering new avenues for obesity and diabetes treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows immune signals can influence beige fat formation in models, supporting this approach as promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Yuwei — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Yuwei
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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.