Understanding T cell changes in cancer and immune suppression
Excessive lipid metabolism in T cell senescence and immunosuppression
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11142421
This work explores how certain immune cells, called T cells, become less effective in fighting cancer, aiming to improve future cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Current cancer immunotherapies show promise but often struggle to completely eliminate tumors because T cells become suppressed and dysfunctional within the tumor environment. We are looking into a specific way T cells become dysfunctional, called senescence, which makes them less able to fight cancer. Our goal is to understand the exact processes that lead to these senescent T cells, which act as amplifiers of immune suppression. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to make immunotherapies more effective for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to cancer patients, particularly those whose tumors have not responded well to current immunotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those whose cancers respond well to existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for cancer immunotherapy, potentially making treatments more effective for patients whose tumors currently resist therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While current immunotherapies have shown some success, this approach investigates a novel mechanism of T cell dysfunction that has not been fully explored in this context.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PENG, GUANGYONG — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PENG, GUANGYONG
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Model, Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment, Cancers