Exploring how human mast cells can help treat cancer
Official title: Human mast cells as a platform for new cancer immunotherapy strategies
Funded at Liberty University, INC. · NIH-10729728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called mast cells can help fight different types of cancer, especially breast cancer, by using a new treatment that makes these cells better at attacking and killing cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Liberty University, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lynchburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $372,846 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA283490-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10729728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers such as breast cancer or lymphoma who may benefit from innovative immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve mast cell interactions or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of human mast cells in fighting various cancers, particularly breast cancer. The approach involves activating these cells to target and kill cancer cells both in laboratory settings and in living organisms. By utilizing a specific type of antibody that binds to mast cells, the researchers aim to enhance the ability of these cells to infiltrate tumors and promote cancer cell death. The study will assess the effectiveness of this novel immunotherapy strategy across different cancer types.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients with various types of cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using mast cells in this manner is novel, previous research has shown promise in utilizing immune cells for cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Liberty University, INC.
Lynchburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kepley, Chris L — Liberty University, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kepley, Chris L
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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.