Dissecting how MCPyV ALTO controls tumor suppression
Official title: Dissecting MCPyV ALTO transcription and tumor suppression
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11435127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how the MCPyV ALTO protein helps stop Merkel cell carcinoma from growing and how this could improve immune system–driven treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $610,984 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA317219-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11435127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma or individuals whose tumors harbor MCPyV and related immune characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MCPyV-associated MCC or without actionable ALTO/NF-κB pathways may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how the virus-linked ALTO gene is regulated and how it suppresses tumor growth in Merkel cell carcinoma. By studying ALTO’s interaction with NF-κB and MCPyV transcription, researchers hope to identify ways to boost antiviral and immune responses in patients. The work involves cellular experiments to see how ALTO affects viral genes and the immune environment, with the goal of guiding new therapies that help the immune system recognize and destroy infected cells. If successful, findings could inform treatments that work alongside or enhance current immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new drugs or strategies that enhance antiviral activity and improve responses to immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests ALTO plays a tumor-suppressive role, but translating this into therapies is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salisbury, Nicholas James Harry — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Salisbury, Nicholas James Harry
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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.