Katy Beckermann, M.D., Ph.D., Merck Fellow Vanderbilt University

Glucose is an important energy source for our cancer-killing T cells. In kidney tumors, however, poor nutrient conditions often disrupt T cell metabolism and inhibit their anti-cancer activity. Dr. Beckermann is characterizing how exactly the tumor environment perturbs T cell metabolism. Then, using patients’ cells and mouse models, she’s developing approaches to support T cells and restore their normal metabolism. The insights she uncovers might then suggest ways to target and improve the effectiveness of these anti-cancer T cells in immunotherapies for patients.

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