Understanding how T cells develop and function in young children
Official title: Identifying metabolic regulation of T cells during early childhood development
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11059889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how children's immune systems work, especially a type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells that help fight infections and cancer, to find out how their energy use changes as they grow up, which could help create better treatments for kids with illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,240 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HD109453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who may benefit from improved immune therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients over the age of 11 or those with fully developed immune systems may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique features of the immune system in children, particularly focusing on CD8+ T cells, which are essential for fighting infections and cancer. By examining how metabolic pathways change during early childhood development, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that influence T cell function. The approach involves manipulating metabolic pathways to better understand their role in T cell activity, which could lead to improved immune-based therapies for children. The research seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap regarding immune system development and its implications for treating diseases in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immune therapies for children, enhancing their ability to fight infections and cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune system development, but this specific focus on metabolic regulation in T cells during early childhood is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rowe, Jared H. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Rowe, Jared H.
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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.