Enhancing melanoma immune therapy through DNA methylation-boosted T cells
Official title: Enhancing Melanoma Adoptive Immunotherapy with DNA Methylation-mediated T Cell Reprogramming
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11299904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-led program at Yale will help patients with melanoma by using specially trained CD4 helper T cells that are epigenetically enhanced to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $295,192 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA296933-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced melanoma who have not fully benefited from current therapies and are eligible for participation in immunology-based research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumor biology does not favor IL-7Rhi T cell responses or who cannot undergo sample collection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to advance how we use a patient’s own T cells to fight melanoma by reprogramming them through DNA methylation changes and studying them in human tumors and lymph nodes. The work combines basic immunology with translational steps, using patient samples and spatial gene patterns to understand which T cells respond best and how to boost them. Researchers will isolate the IL-7Rhi CD4 T cell population, enhance it with hypomethylating strategies, and test its cancer-fighting abilities in human cells. A biorepository and advanced spatial transcriptomics will guide which cells are most effective and safe for potential therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective, personalized T cell therapies for melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work suggests IL-7Rhi CD4 T cells can support anti-tumor responses and may respond to epigenetic enhancement, with early human data supporting feasibility.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Micevic, Goran — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Micevic, Goran
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
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Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
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Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
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Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
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Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
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.