Comparing how two cytokines affect immune cell behavior in cancer
Official title: Comparative analysis of M-CSF and GM-CSF in human monocyte metabolic reprogramming and differentiation into tumor-associated macrophage-like cells
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10995910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, M-CSF and GM-CSF, affect certain immune cells that can help or hurt cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to treat cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA294601-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from enhanced immune responses against tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those whose tumors are not influenced by macrophage activity may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how two specific cytokines, M-CSF and GM-CSF, influence the behavior of immune cells known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the context of cancer. By examining how these cytokines affect the metabolism and differentiation of monocytes into TAMs, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer. The research will involve analyzing the differences in immune cell functions and metabolic changes induced by these cytokines, which could lead to improved cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by targeting the immune response.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cytokines in immune cell differentiation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Lillian — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Lillian
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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.