Boosting the Immune System to Fight Cancer
Identifying and engaging a universal adjuvant for breaking macrophage immune tolerance in cancer
This work explores new ways to help the body's immune cells, called macrophages, recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116839 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer cells are very good at hiding from the immune system, but we are learning how certain immune cells, like T, B, and NK cells, can be trained to attack them. This project focuses on another important immune cell, the macrophage, which is often found in tumors. We want to understand how cancer cells escape detection by macrophages and then develop strategies to help macrophages 'eat' and eliminate cancer cells, a process called programmed cell removal. This could lead to new and more effective ways to treat various cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to develop treatments for individuals with various types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those whose cancer does not respond to immune-based therapies may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immunotherapies that help the body's own immune system fight and clear different types of cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials have shown promising results by restoring programmed cell removal, indicating this approach has significant therapeutic potential.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Mingye — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Feng, Mingye
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.