Blocking XBP1 and activating STING to target chronic lymphocytic leukemia
XBP1 Inhibition and STING activation for the treatment of cancer
This work will see whether blocking a cancer-supporting protein called XBP1 and turning on an immune switch called STING can work together to kill CLL cells in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303443 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common adult B‑cell blood cancer. Researchers will use a lab-developed XBP1 inhibitor (B-I09) together with a STING activator (ADU‑S100) to look for stronger leukemia cell killing than either drug alone, using human CLL cells and mouse models. The team will study how these drugs affect B cell receptor signaling, resistance mechanisms, and signs that could support future human testing. If human samples are used, donations or participation would be coordinated through the research center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, especially those who have stopped or failed standard treatments like ibrutinib or venetoclax, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without CLL, or CLL patients whose disease is well controlled by existing therapies, are unlikely to directly benefit from this preclinical-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new combination treatment option for CLL patients who are resistant to or cannot tolerate current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: STING activators are already in early clinical trials with mixed results and XBP1 targeting is experimental, so combining these two approaches is novel and largely untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Chih-Chi Andrew — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Hu, Chih-Chi Andrew
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.