Blocking a protein called GARP to help the immune system fight non-small cell lung cancer
Targeting GARP-TGFbeta for Immunotherapy of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
A new antibody that targets GARP is being developed to reduce immune-suppressing TGFβ in tumors and help people with non-small cell lung cancer respond better to immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173899 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work on a laboratory antibody called PIIO-1 that blocks a tumor-associated protein (GARP) which helps activate TGFβ, a molecule that weakens anti-tumor immunity. The team created a humanized mouse with the human GARP sequence to test PIIO-1 in lung cancer models and to study how it works with existing checkpoint-blocking immunotherapies. Researchers will measure immune cell activity, tumor growth, and signs of side effects, paying attention to avoiding effects on platelets. If the approach looks safe and effective in these tests, it could move toward clinical trials for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-small cell lung cancer—especially those who have not responded well to checkpoint inhibitor therapies—would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express GARP or who cannot receive antibody treatments due to medical reasons may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make current immunotherapies work for more people with non-small cell lung cancer by reducing local immune suppression in tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work targeting TGFβ pathways has shown promise but also systemic side effects, and selectively targeting GARP with a monoclonal antibody is a more novel, translational strategy building on those findings.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Zihai — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Li, Zihai
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.