Exploring how mitochondria transfer between cancer and immune cells affects treatment outcomes
Official title: Investigating nanotube-mediated mitochondria transfer and inhibitor effects in cancer-immune cell interactions across 2D and 3D models
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11062923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells share tiny parts called mitochondria with immune cells and how this affects both the cancer and the immune system, with the hope of finding new ways to make cancer treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $259,550 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA276525-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transfer of mitochondria between cancer cells and immune cells through structures called tunneling nanotubes. By using advanced 2D and 3D models, the study aims to understand how these transfers influence cancer cell behavior and immune responses. The researchers will also evaluate the potential of inhibitors that block these transfers to improve the effectiveness of existing cancer immunotherapies. This work could lead to new strategies for enhancing cancer treatment by disrupting the interactions that allow cancer cells to evade the immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that better harness the body's immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to enhance cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sengupta, Shiladitya — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sengupta, Shiladitya
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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.