Enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer using CD4 T cells

Reviving cancer immune surveillance with CD4 T cell help

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10862804

This study is looking at a way to help your immune system fight cancer better by using special cells that were trained by vaccines you might have received as a child, and it’s for people with cancer who want to explore new treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10862804 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to boost the immune system's response to cancer by reactivating specific CD4 T cells that were trained by childhood vaccines. The approach involves injecting a recall antigen directly into tumors to stimulate these helper T cells, which can enhance the activity of other immune cells that attack cancer. By understanding how these CD4 T cells can trigger a stronger immune response, the research aims to develop new therapies that could improve outcomes for cancer patients. The study will analyze the changes in immune cell behavior and their effectiveness in combating tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancers who may benefit from enhanced immune responses.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to immune therapies or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy treatments that significantly improve cancer outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in using immune system reactivation strategies, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.