Creating a new treatment to reduce immune suppression in certain cancers.
Development and Mechanistic Studies of an Engineered Human Enzyme to Abrogate Immune Suppression due to Elevated Methylthioadenosine (MTA) by MTAP null/low Tumors
This study is exploring a new way to help boost the immune system in cancer patients whose tumors have high levels of a substance called MTA, which can weaken immune responses; researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are testing a special enzyme that could break down MTA and help the body fight the cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10661577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapeutic approach to counteract immune suppression caused by elevated levels of methylthioadenosine (MTA) in tumors lacking the enzyme methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP). The team at the University of Texas at Austin is investigating how this engineered human enzyme can degrade MTA, thereby enhancing the immune response against tumors. By using advanced biological techniques, they aim to restore the activity of immune cells that are inhibited by MTA, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with specific types of cancer. The research includes both laboratory studies and preclinical models to assess the effectiveness of this new therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that have low or absent levels of the MTAP enzyme.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not exhibit MTAP deletion or low expression may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option that enhances the immune system's ability to fight certain cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results in animal models, indicating that this approach may be effective, though it is still being tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Everett — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Stone, Everett
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.