Enhancing cancer treatment by improving immune cell signaling
Official title: Develop positive allosteric modulators to enhance XCR1 signaling in cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11113081 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medicines that can help your immune system fight cancer better by making a specific receptor in your immune cells work more effectively, which could lead to better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $408,829 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA299543-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113081 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may benefit from enhanced immune responses, particularly those involving the tumor microenvironment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve XCR1 signaling or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop new drugs that enhance the signaling of a specific receptor (XCR1) found in immune cells, which play a crucial role in fighting cancer. By improving the function of these immune cells, the project seeks to boost the body's ability to recognize and attack tumors. The researchers will use advanced techniques to identify small molecules that can positively modulate this receptor's activity, potentially leading to more effective cancer therapies. Patients may benefit from improved immune responses against their tumors if these new treatments are successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that enhance the body's natural ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing immune responses through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Cheng — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Cheng
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.