Balancing two key proteins to enhance cancer treatment

Shifting the balance between IFN-I and TGF-beta to improve cancer therapy

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10910029

This study is looking at how two proteins, TGFβ and IFNβ, work together in Triple Negative Breast Cancer to see if boosting IFNβ can help the immune system fight the cancer better and make treatments more effective for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10910029 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how two proteins, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) and Interferon β (IFNβ), interact in the tumor microenvironment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). The study aims to understand how these proteins influence cancer cell behavior and the immune response, particularly focusing on how TGFβ can suppress the beneficial effects of IFNβ. By restoring IFNβ signaling, the research seeks to improve anti-tumor immunity and reduce cancer aggressiveness. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that target these pathways to enhance treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer who are facing challenges with treatment resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with non-aggressive forms of breast cancer or those not diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer, potentially reducing metastasis and recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating cytokine signaling pathways to improve cancer treatment outcomes, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.