Understanding how immune cells in fat tissue affect diabetes and obesity
Official title: Regulation and Maintenance of Adipose Tissue T cells
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10911329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $90,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K99DK136934-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are experiencing obesity or are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jacks, Ramiah Donesha — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Jacks, Ramiah Donesha
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.