Blocking the enzyme CARM1 to help the immune system fight melanoma
The Epigenetic Enzyme CARM1 as a Negative Regulator of Dendritic cells and CD8 T cells in Melanoma
This project tests whether blocking the enzyme CARM1 can boost key immune cells so they better detect and kill melanoma tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184356 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is studying an enzyme called CARM1 that appears to hold back two immune cell types important for fighting melanoma: dendritic cells and CD8 T cells. They will use a high-affinity CARM1 blocker in laboratory and mouse models, including tumors that resist current immunotherapies, and will also use genetically engineered mice to turn off CARM1 in specific immune cells. Researchers will track how well dendritic cells present tumor material and how strongly CD8 T cells multiply and attack tumors using molecular tools such as CRISPR and ATAC-seq. The work aims to show whether CARM1 blockade prevents immune cell exhaustion and improves tumor control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma—particularly those with advanced, metastatic, or immunotherapy-resistant tumors—would be most relevant for potential future trials or participation.
Not a fit: Individuals without melanoma or with cancers that do not rely on the same immune pathways are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could strengthen patients' immune responses and make immunotherapies more effective for people with melanoma, especially those with metastatic or treatment-resistant disease.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies, including CRISPR screens, indicate promise for targeting CARM1, but clinical benefit in people has not yet been shown.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wucherpfennig, Kai W — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wucherpfennig, Kai 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.