Boosting Liver Immune Cells to Fight Liver Cancer
MicroRNA-15a/16-mediated cytokine/chemokine reprogramming in Kupffer cells prevents the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
This work explores how tiny genetic switches in liver immune cells might stop or shrink a serious type of liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158605 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a very serious disease, partly because the body's immune system can be suppressed within tumors. Our bodies have tiny regulators called microRNAs that can influence how cells behave. This research looks at specific microRNAs, miR-15a and miR-16, found in special liver immune cells called Kupffer cells. We want to understand how these microRNAs can reprogram Kupffer cells to fight off liver cancer and prevent its growth. The goal is to find new ways to help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those whose tumors show signs of immune suppression, might eventually benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose liver cancer does not involve the specific immune pathways targeted by this research may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent or treat hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing the body's natural immune response.
How similar studies have performed: While microRNAs are extensively studied in HCC, their specific roles in regulating immune suppression in Kupffer cells are not well-described, making this a novel approach building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Guisheng — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Song, Guisheng
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.