DNA mismatch repair defects and anti-tumor immunity in cancer
Official title: Interplay between DNA mismatch repair defects and anti-tumor immunity
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11626501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how defects in a DNA repair system affect the body’s immune response to tumors, to improve cancer treatments that use the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $167,128 |
| NIH project number | 1R56CA303265-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11626501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose tumors show mismatch repair defects, MSI-high or related biomarkers, particularly those being considered for immune checkpoint therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors characterized by mismatch repair defects or those not eligible for immunotherapy may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how problems in DNA mismatch repair influence immune cells invading tumors, particularly in breast and colon cancer models. They combine computer analyses with lab experiments to understand how STING signaling and replication stress shape anti-tumor immunity, beyond tumor mutation burden. The goal is to uncover factors that determine why some tumors with repair defects respond to immune therapies and others do not, so future treatments can be better tailored. The work focuses on the MLH1/PMS2 complex and its role in cancer biology, with translation potential toward improving immunotherapy strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to more precise immunotherapy strategies for patients with tumors that have DNA repair defects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked STING signaling and replication stress to immune interactions in tumors, but the exact balance with tumor mutation burden remains an active area with potential for notable advances.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stark, Jeremy Michael — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Stark, Jeremy Michael
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.