Blocking Axl and MerTK to boost immune attack in head and neck cancer
Project 3: Modulation of the head and neck tumor immune microenvironment by targeting the TAM family of receptors
See if blocking two tumor proteins, Axl and MerTK, can wake up the immune system to help people with head and neck cancer respond better to immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172650 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on two tumor proteins, Axl and MerTK, that help head and neck cancers hide from the immune system. Researchers use a dual-target drug called INCB081776 in laboratory and mouse models to try to turn immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors with more active CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages. They compare blocking both proteins at once to blocking each one alone to see which approach produces stronger immune activation. Promising preclinical results would support moving this approach toward clinical testing in patients with head and neck cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with head and neck cancer—especially those whose tumors do not respond to current immune checkpoint therapies—would be the main candidates for follow-up clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without head and neck cancer or those whose disease is already cured by surgery or radiation are unlikely to benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make more head and neck tumors respond to immunotherapy and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies described by the team show that dual Axl/MerTK blockade increases tumor-infiltrating T cells and slows tumor growth, but clinical benefit in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheeler, Deric L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Wheeler, Deric L
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.