NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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

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

Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11250187 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the availability of certain nutrients called amino acids affects the ability of important immune cells, called CD8+ T-cells, to fight cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to boost cancer treatments for patients.

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 startJanuary 1, 2025
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$3,000
NIH project number3F99CA294267-01S1
Project IDNIH-11250187 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients whose tumors are characterized by poor responses to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with tumors that are already responsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapies may not receive additional benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of amino acid availability in the function of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cells, which are crucial for anti-tumor immunity. The study aims to uncover how a lack of amino acids can lead to T-cell exhaustion, reducing their effectiveness in fighting cancer. By examining the mechanisms that limit T-cell function within the tumor microenvironment, the researchers hope to identify new strategies to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved cancer treatments targeting T-cell dysfunction.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that enhance T-cell responses in patients with tumors that currently do not respond to existing treatments.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding T-cell metabolism and its impact on cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Yan-Ting — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Yan-Ting

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.