# Leveraging fructose transport to create a privileged substrate to selectively fuel T cells

> **NIH NIH R01** · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · 2022 · $704,431

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
While checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells undergo widespread investigation as
approaches to unleash the immune system’s tumor-targeting abilities, the mechanisms by which these therapies
fail is the subject of great debate. In the setting of solid tumors, it is believed that the microenvironment is hostile,
excluding T cells and/or inhibiting their ability to proliferate or be activated. A dearth of metabolic precursors,
most notably glucose, has been implicated as inhibiting T-cell function. There remains an unmet need for
approaches to better understand T-cell metabolism and its impact on tumors in vivo, as well as a method to modulate
this metabolic limitation to overcome T-cell exhaustion.
Given extensive preliminary data, we have developed a model system to explore T-cell exhaustion using primary T
cells stimulated in vitro. We have also identified a metabolic mechanism that can overcome limited glycolytic flux by
utilizing another biologically available substrate: fructose. Moreover, we have optimized methods to trace
metabolism in vitro and in vivo using hyperpolarized magnetic resonance (HP MR), which can detect changes in
metabolism in real time. Taken together, these approaches provide a platform for studying immunometabolism both
in vitro and in vivo in a syngeneic model of melanoma, which has great potential for future immunotherapeutics.
The objective of this innovative proposal is to utilize our in vitro and in vivo models to interrogate the metabolism of
T cells. In Aim 1, we will explore T-cell metabolism in vivo in order to reverse the reduced glycolytic flux in exhausted
T cells. In Aim 2, taking advantage of our newly developed HP fructose, we will metabolically image fructose
metabolism in T cells using our newly developed HP microNMR and in vivo with HP magnetic resonance
spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). We will then translate this approach to tumor-bearing mice in Aim 3, where we
combine T-cell therapy and HP MRI to treat a syngeneic model of melanoma.
It is the overarching goal of this proposal to use these novel approaches in metabolism and metabolic imaging to
further our understanding of immunometabolism and lay the foundation for future immunotherapy strategies in
patients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10318220
- **Project number:** 5R01CA248364-02
- **Recipient organization:** SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- **Principal Investigator:** Kayvan R Keshari
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $704,431
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-12-11 → 2025-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10318220

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10318220, Leveraging fructose transport to create a privileged substrate to selectively fuel T cells (5R01CA248364-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10318220. Licensed CC0.

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