Understanding how NKT cells manage their metabolism
Regulation of metabolic pathways in NKT cells
This study is looking at how special immune cells called Natural Killer T (NKT) cells use energy differently than other T cells, especially in places like fat and the liver, to understand how this affects their ability to fight diseases like autoimmune disorders and inflammation, which could help find new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 ID | NIH-10853096 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the metabolic pathways in Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, which play a crucial role in immune responses. By comparing the metabolic functions of NKT cells to conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells, the study aims to uncover how these cells regulate their metabolism in different environments, such as adipose tissue and the liver. The research employs various measurements to assess metabolic capacity and its impact on immune function, particularly in the context of autoimmune diseases and inflammation. This could lead to insights on how to manipulate NKT cell activity for therapeutic purposes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with autoimmune diseases or conditions related to immune dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with no autoimmune conditions or those not affected by immune system-related issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating autoimmune diseases and improving immune responses in patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the metabolic regulation of conventional T cells has been studied, the specific focus on NKT cells represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Cheong-Hee — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Chang, Cheong-Hee
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 below.