Understanding how amino acid availability affects T-cell function in tumors

Identifying and Targeting Drivers of Impaired Translation in Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cells.

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-10990117

This study is looking at how certain nutrients called amino acids affect immune cells that fight cancer, to help understand why some of these cells get tired and stop working well, which could lead to better treatments for patients with cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10990117 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of amino acids in the function of CD8+ T-cells that infiltrate tumors. It aims to understand why some T-cells become exhausted and lose their ability to fight cancer effectively, particularly in certain tumor types. By examining how amino acid deprivation impacts T-cell activity, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that could enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved cancer treatments targeting T-cell dysfunction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors are resistant to current immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that respond well to existing immunotherapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding T-cell exhaustion and amino acid metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.