Dissecting how TNBC tumors suppress the immune system using myeloid cells
Official title: Dissecting Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor-Induced Myeloid-Mediated Immune Suppression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11398169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how a protein called TAZ helps triple-negative breast cancer evade the immune system, with the goal of improving treatments for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,675,569 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA287731-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer or those whose tumors are studied for TAZ-related mechanisms may benefit from future implications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not involve TNBC biology or TAZ-related pathways may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The research focuses on triple-negative breast cancer, a challenging form of breast cancer that often resists common therapies. It studies how tumor TAZ influences immune cells in the tumor environment, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells and macrophages, using mouse models and human-derived data. By analyzing how TAZ affects immune suppression, the project aims to identify new ways to boost immune responses when combined with standard chemotherapy. The work involves preclinical experiments to understand the mechanisms and potential points to intervene in TNBC biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to new strategies that enhance immune-based treatments for TNBC and reduce recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest TAZ and immune cells influence tumor progression in TNBC, with ongoing efforts building on this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianmin — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianmin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.