Understanding how fat metabolism affects T cell aging and immune response in cancer
Official title: Excessive lipid metabolism in T cell senescence and immunosuppression
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10898921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how too much fat processing in the body affects the aging and performance of immune cells called T cells, especially in cancer patients, to find ways to boost their ability to fight tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 3, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173260-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those with tumors that exhibit T cell dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not involve T cell suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how excessive lipid metabolism contributes to the aging and dysfunction of T cells, particularly in the context of cancer. By examining the tumor microenvironment, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to T cell senescence, which impairs the immune response against tumors. The approach involves analyzing tumor-infiltrating T cells from cancer patients to identify specific molecular changes associated with T cell dysfunction. This knowledge could pave the way for new immunotherapy strategies that enhance T cell activity in cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy options that better activate T cells to fight cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding T cell dysfunction in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Guangyong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Peng, Guangyong
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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.