NIH-funded research R01 grant

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.

More Breast Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Toledo Health Sci Campus
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Toledo, United States)
Project startSeptember 13, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,675,569
NIH project number4R01CA287731-03
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.