Advanced tools to understand how cancer and immune cells talk to each other
Ultrasensitive kinase biosensors for multiplex imaging of coordinated spatiotemporal signaling in cancer-immune interactions
This work creates highly sensitive tools to see how cancer and immune cells communicate, which could help us find better ways to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have complex ways that cells communicate, especially between cancer cells and immune cells that are trying to fight them. This project is building new, very sensitive tools called biosensors that can light up and show us exactly when and where these cells are talking. By using these advanced imaging methods, we hope to get a clearer picture of these interactions, including how CAR T cells, a type of immune therapy, work against cancer. This deeper understanding could lead to new strategies for cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with cancer by advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from participating in this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide crucial insights into cancer biology and immune responses, potentially leading to the development of more effective cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown the promise of fluorescent biosensors in studying cell signaling, and this project builds upon those successes to create even more advanced tools.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jin
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.