Boosting the body's own defenses against breast cancer

Small molecule enhancers of tumor immunity targeting the LPA5 GPCR

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11144281

This work looks for new medicines that can help your immune system's T cells fight breast cancer more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11144281 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our immune system has special cells called CD8 T cells that are designed to kill cancer cells. However, a molecule called LPAR5 can put the brakes on these T cells, making them less effective at fighting tumors. This project aims to find small molecules that can block LPAR5, essentially taking the brakes off the T cells. By doing so, we hope to unleash the full power of your immune system to attack and destroy breast cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding immune responses in breast cancer, and future clinical applications would target patients with breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the LPAR5 pathway may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug treatments that enhance the body's natural ability to fight breast cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other approaches that target immune checkpoints have shown significant success in cancer treatment, suggesting promise for this novel target.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, 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.
Conditions Breast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.