Boosting Immune Cells to Fight Cancer

Bhlhe40 Regulation of T Cell Function During Cancer Immunotherapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11098667

This research looks at how a specific protein helps immune cells called T cells work better against cancer, especially with immunotherapy treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11098667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our immune system's T cells are vital for fighting cancer, especially when supported by treatments like immunotherapy. This project explores a key protein, Bhlhe40, that helps these T cells stay active and effective against tumors. We've seen in early models that Bhlhe40 is essential for T cells to successfully eliminate cancer. The goal is to understand exactly how Bhlhe40 supports both CD4 and CD8 T cells, which are both critical for a strong anti-cancer response. This knowledge could lead to new ways to make immunotherapies more powerful for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers that are treated with or could benefit from immunotherapies, such as melanoma or sarcoma, might eventually benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not respond to or are not treated with immunotherapy may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to improve how well cancer immunotherapies work for patients.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon recent discoveries by the team, indicating a novel and promising direction for enhancing existing cancer immunotherapies.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.