Blocking a specific protein to improve immune response against oral cancer
Official title: Targeted Arf1 inhibition to enhance immune response in oral cancer
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11035236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for oral cancer that uses a special compound called AI10b to target a protein that helps cancer cells grow, with the hope of boosting the immune system's ability to fight the cancer while keeping healthy cells safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,905 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033433-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with oral cancer who have already received extensive treatment or those with other types of cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for oral cancer by targeting a protein called ADP-ribosylation factor 1 (Arf1), which is often overactive in oral cancer cells. The approach involves using a novel compound, AI10b, that can inhibit Arf1 without harming normal cells. By blocking Arf1, the treatment aims to enhance the immune response against cancer cells, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. The research will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this compound in preclinical models before considering clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new targeted therapy that improves survival rates and quality of life for patients with oral cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting Arf1 is a novel approach, similar strategies targeting other oncogenic pathways have shown promise in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Teng, Yong — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Teng, Yong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mobile platform using AI to screen for oral cancer in low-resource communities
A low-cost, AI-powered mobile tool helps frontline healthcare workers screen for oral cancer and triage patients in communities with limited access to specialists.
-
Endosomal signaling and cancer pain control in oral cancer
A study to understand how signals inside nerve cells and supportive cells contribute to pain in people with oral cancer.
-
Affordable AI-enabled point-of-care tool for quick oral cancer checks
A low-cost AI-powered imaging module helps clinicians screen for oral cancer at the point of care, especially in community and resource-limited settings.
-
How tissue stiffness affects oral cancer spread
A researcher at UC San Diego is studying how the stiffness of mouth tissue influences the behavior of oral cancer cells in people.
-
Intraoperative fluorescence lifetime imaging to guide oral cancer surgery
A surgeon-friendly imaging system uses fluorescence lifetime signals and real-time MRI/CT alignment to help remove only cancerous tissue during oral cancer operations.
-
Point-of-Care AI Image Tool for Early Oral Cancer Detection
A new, affordable AI-powered tool helps frontline clinicians screen for oral cancer early by using a low-cost imaging module at the point of care.
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.