Blocking LAG‑3 and PD‑1 to boost the immune response against glioblastoma

Targeting Lag-3 and PD -1 in Myeloid Cells of GBM

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11309579

This work tests whether blocking two immune 'brakes' called LAG‑3 and PD‑1 can help the immune system fight glioblastoma in adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11309579 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join work like this, researchers aim to combine drugs that block LAG‑3 and PD‑1 to try to lift immune suppression inside glioblastoma tumors. They will study tumor and blood samples to see how myeloid cells and T cells change after dual blockade. The team builds on early clinical results that showed some patients had tumor responses and longer survival when both checkpoints were blocked. Lab studies and patient samples will be used together to understand why the treatment helps some people and not others.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) with glioblastoma, especially those eligible for immune checkpoint therapy or clinical trials at the treating center, would be the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: People with medical conditions that prevent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors or whose tumors lack the immune features targeted by this approach may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could strengthen anti‑tumor immunity and potentially improve outcomes for people with glioblastoma.

How similar studies have performed: Early clinical and preclinical work, including a Phase I trial, has shown promising responses in some GBM patients but the approach remains experimental and not yet widely proven.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.