Blocking enzymes in immune-suppressing cells to help melanoma immunotherapy
Targeting ROS enzymes in immunosuppressive myeloid cells to enhance immunotherapy
Seeing whether blocking enzymes that make reactive oxygen species in immune-suppressing myeloid cells can help immunotherapy work better for people with metastatic melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a type of immune cell in tumors that weakens the body's anti-cancer response by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). They will identify and functionally characterize these immunosuppressive myeloid cells rather than relying only on surface markers, and focus on two ROS-producing enzymes, MPO and NOX2. The team will use laboratory assays, animal models, and analyses of patient blood and tumor samples to test how inhibiting these enzymes changes immune activity and responses to checkpoint immunotherapy. Results will be used to guide ways to reduce tumor immune suppression and potentially improve immunotherapy effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic melanoma who are considering or receiving immune checkpoint therapy and who can provide blood or tumor samples or participate in related clinical activities are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or whose tumors do not involve these immunosuppressive myeloid cells are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help more people with melanoma respond to immunotherapy by reducing immune suppression in tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies suggest blocking ROS-producing enzymes can reduce immune suppression, but translating this approach into improved human melanoma treatment is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Morgantown, United States
- West Virginia University — Morgantown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Tracy W — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Tracy W
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.