Understanding how immune cells in fat tissue affect diabetes and obesity

Regulation and Maintenance of Adipose Tissue T cells

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10911329

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called T cells in fat tissue affect inflammation and insulin sensitivity, especially in people with obesity, to help find new ways to treat related health issues like type 2 diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911329 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of T cells within adipose tissue and how they contribute to inflammation and insulin sensitivity, particularly in the context of obesity. By examining how these immune cells respond to dietary changes, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes. The approach includes analyzing the interactions between T cells and other immune cells, as well as the signals that regulate their activity during periods of fat tissue expansion. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for obesity-related metabolic disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are experiencing obesity or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes by targeting immune cell interactions in adipose tissue.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting immune responses in adipose tissue can lead to improvements in metabolic health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.