Blocking GPR84 to improve immunotherapy for bladder cancer
Targeting GPR84 to Overcome Macrophage Mediated Resistance to Immunotherapy
This research will explore whether blocking a fatty-acid sensor called GPR84 in tumor immune cells helps immunotherapy work better for people with bladder cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300976 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze human bladder tumor samples to see how tumor-associated macrophages use fatty-acid signals and the receptor GPR84 to suppress anti-tumor T cells. They will use laboratory cell models and animal experiments to test whether blocking GPR84 can reprogram these macrophages toward an immune-stimulating state. The team will combine GPR84 targeting with PD-1 checkpoint therapy in models to see if that restores responses. Findings aim to identify biomarkers and treatment strategies that could move toward clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bladder cancer—especially those whose tumors have many suppressive tumor-associated macrophages or who did not respond to PD‑1 immunotherapy—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by macrophage-mediated suppression, non‑bladder cancers, or those whose tumors lack fatty-acid/GPR84 signaling may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make PD‑1 checkpoint immunotherapy effective for more bladder cancer patients by reversing immune suppression in tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies show that changing macrophage behavior can improve immune responses, but targeting GPR84 in bladder cancer is a newer, less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xin, Gang — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Xin, Gang
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.