Understanding how metformin affects immune responses in obese individuals
Official title: Identifying mechanisms by which metformin regulates T cell responses in obesity
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11050250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight affects your immune system, especially how your body's T cells respond to viruses like the flu and COVID-19, and it will explore whether a diabetes medication called metformin can help improve these responses in people with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $753,296 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139107-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and have a history of viral infections or are at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those without any history of viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how obesity impacts the immune system, particularly focusing on T cell responses to viral infections like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. It aims to identify the mechanisms by which metformin, a common diabetes medication, can improve T cell function in obese patients. The study will involve analyzing T cell metabolism and immune responses in both animal models and potentially in human subjects, to uncover novel strategies for enhancing immune responses in those affected by obesity. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights into better treatment options for high-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immune responses in obese patients, reducing their risk of severe outcomes from viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that interventions targeting T cell metabolism can improve immune responses, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maciver, Nancie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Maciver, Nancie
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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.