NIH-funded research R37 grant

Enhancing immune response in melanoma treatment

Official title: Targeting dsRNA sensing and ADAR1 in melanoma

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11042275 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for better ways to help your immune system fight melanoma by targeting certain receptors and blocking a protein that can hold back your body's natural defenses, with the hope of making current treatments work even better for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$631,778
NIH project number5R37CA279834-02
Project IDNIH-11042275 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with melanoma who have not responded well to current immunotherapy treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet undergone immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates ways to improve the effectiveness of melanoma treatments by enhancing the body's immune response. It focuses on targeting specific receptors that recognize double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and inhibiting a protein called ADAR1, which can limit anti-cancer immunity. By using these strategies, the researchers aim to make melanoma tumors more responsive to existing immunotherapies, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients. The study will explore the best combinations of these approaches to maximize their effectiveness in treating melanoma.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing anti-tumor immunity through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ishizuka, Jeffrey J. — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Ishizuka, Jeffrey J.

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.