Blocking EphB4–ephrinB2 to lower immune suppression in head and neck cancer
Targeting EphB4-ephrinB2 to decrease immunosuppression in HNSCC
This project tests whether blocking the EphB4–ephrinB2 pathway can reduce immune-suppressing cells in people with head and neck cancer to help radiation and immunotherapy work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying a molecule pair (EphB4 on immune cells and EFNB2 on tumor blood vessels) that may let suppressive immune cells enter and protect head and neck tumors. They will use laboratory and preclinical work, plus tumor samples, to see how radiation changes EFNB2 on blood vessels and how blocking this pathway affects regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages. The team will test a blocking agent (TNYL-RAW) and genetic approaches in models and human-derived specimens to see if the tumor environment becomes less suppressive. The goal is to find ways to make radiation and immune-based treatments work better for patients whose tumors resist therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with high-risk or treatment-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those receiving or planned for radiation and/or immunotherapy.
Not a fit: People without head and neck cancer or patients whose tumors do not rely on EphB4/EFNB2 signaling likely would not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make radiation and immunotherapy more effective by reducing immune-suppressing cells in head and neck tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting EphB4–EFNB2 in cancer immunity is relatively new: there are supportive laboratory findings but limited prior clinical evidence in patients.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karam, Sana D — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Karam, Sana D
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.