Blocking Cancer Cells from Stealing Energy from Immune Cells
Tunneling Nanotube Inhibitors for Cancer Immunotherapy
This research explores a new way to stop breast cancer cells from weakening immune cells, aiming to make cancer treatments more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123920 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We recently discovered that cancer cells create tiny connections, like tentacles, to take energy from immune cells, which helps the cancer grow and makes immune-boosting treatments less powerful. This project aims to develop new medicines that can block these connections, preventing cancer cells from stealing vital energy. By stopping this process, we hope to strengthen the body's immune response against breast cancer and improve the success of existing immunotherapies. Our early findings suggest these new medicines could be very effective and safe.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on breast cancer, particularly understanding how these cells evade the immune system.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions other than breast cancer or those whose cancer does not use this specific immune evasion mechanism may not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make the immune system stronger against breast cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Our team has published initial findings on this mechanism, and preliminary results show promise for the small molecules being developed.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sengupta, Shiladitya — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sengupta, Shiladitya
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.