Boosting the immune attack on melanoma by targeting ADAR1 and viral-sensing pathways
Targeting dsRNA sensing and ADAR1 in melanoma
This project explores therapies that turn on cells' viral alarms and block ADAR1 to help the immune system better fight melanoma, especially when standard immunotherapy has not worked.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294195 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing approaches that activate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensors (like RIG-I) and block the enzyme ADAR1, which tumors use to hide from immune attack. They will test different combinations in lab-grown tumor cells and mouse melanoma models to see which strategies increase immune signaling, attract T cells, and make tumors more responsive to checkpoint blockade. The team will study the biological mechanisms behind these effects and look for markers that predict which tumors respond. The preclinical work aims to identify the best therapy combinations to move into future clinical trials for patients with resistant melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with advanced or metastatic melanoma whose cancers have not responded or stopped responding to immune checkpoint therapies.
Not a fit: People with cancers other than melanoma or whose tumors do not rely on ADAR1/dsRNA pathways for immune escape may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make immunotherapy work for more people with melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown that activating RIG-I or disabling ADAR1 can boost anti-tumor immunity in mice, while combining multiple dsRNA pathways is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ishizuka, Jeffrey J. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ishizuka, Jeffrey J.
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.