CD38-Driven Changes in Brain Tumor Metabolism and Immunity in Glioblastoma
Official title: CD38-Driven Metabolic and Immune Remodeling in Glioblastoma
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11579310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing look at how scientists plan to study how glioblastoma grows by changing its metabolism and dampening the immune response, with potential targets to help treatment in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $239,753 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM121322-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or those participating in related translational research could benefit from advances arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project may not immediately change care for patients, and translation to therapies could take time.
What this research studies
This project focuses on glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, and investigates how a molecule called CD38 interacts with cellular metabolism to make the tumor environment less friendly to the body’s immune defenses. Researchers will explore how CD38 influences energy use and immune cell behavior in glioblastoma, aiming to uncover signals that drive tumor growth and resistance to therapy. The work uses preclinical models to look at how these metabolic and immune changes could be targeted to slow progression. Outcomes could point to new ways to boost the immune response against the tumor and improve existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to make glioblastoma more vulnerable to treatment and potentially extend patients’ survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between tumor metabolism and immune suppression; this project builds on those findings to define a specific CD38-LDHA/LDHB axis in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aulakh, Sonikpreet — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Aulakh, Sonikpreet
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
A study to test small molecule drugs that block Slit2/ROBO signals to help treat glioblastoma in patients.
-
Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
6-thio-2'-deoxyguanosine for glioblastoma: a new approach to target tumors before surgery
A trial tests a novel drug given before glioblastoma surgery to see how it behaves in the body and within the tumor, and to learn how it affects cancer cells and the immune environment.
-
Role of a brain tumor RNA in glioblastoma where a unique lncRNA may drive cancer cells
A small, focused NIH grant explores how a brain cancer–related RNA called LINC01896 might control the growth of glioblastoma stem cells and influence treatment resistance.
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.