Blocking innate immune signals in pancreatic cancer
Targeting tumor innate immune signaling in pancreatic cancer
This research tests whether blocking certain innate immune signals in pancreatic cancer cells can help chemotherapy and immunotherapy work better for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231515 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how pancreatic cancer cells use innate immune pathways to suppress anti-tumor T cells and create an immune-suppressive tumor environment. They previously targeted IRAK4 and are now focusing on a related protein called TPL2 (MAP3K8), using laboratory models, molecular analyses, and patient tumor samples to see how blocking TPL2 alters cancer signaling and micro-RNA processing. The work builds on preclinical and early clinical findings and aims to translate those lab results into strategies that could be tested in clinical trials. Patient tumor samples or enrollment in related clinical trials may be used to confirm that the findings apply to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those willing to provide tumor samples or enroll in clinical trials combining targeted agents with chemo or immunotherapy, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer or those who cannot undergo biopsy, systemic therapy, or trial participation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve response rates to chemotherapy and immunotherapy and lead to new targeted treatments for pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior targeting of IRAK4 showed promising preclinical results and supported early clinical trials, while targeting TPL2 is a newer approach with limited patient data so far.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Kian H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lim, Kian H
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.