Fat cell PD-L1 in breast tumors
Adipocyte PD-L1 in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment
This project looks at whether a protein called PD-L1 made by fat cells in the breast helps tumors hide from the immune system and how that matters for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have breast cancer, the researchers are studying whether PD-L1 made by fat cells in the breast helps tumors grow and resist immune attack. They will use mouse models that delete PD-L1 specifically in adipocytes, lab studies of cells and proteins, and molecular analyses to map how PD-L1 interacts with fat metabolism and immune cells. The team will also examine links between obesity, adipocyte PD-L1, and response to PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Findings aim to point toward approaches that could make immunotherapy work better for breast cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future patient-facing parts would be people with breast cancer, especially those with adipose-rich tumors or obesity who might donate tissue or join follow-up clinical trials.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or whose tumors do not interact with breast adipose tissue are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain a reason why some breast cancers resist PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and suggest new combination strategies to improve immune-based treatments.
How similar studies have performed: PD-1/PD-L1 drugs have shown clear benefit in some cancers but limited success in breast cancer to date, and the idea that adipocyte-produced PD-L1 affects tumor immunity is a relatively new and emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Rong — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Li, Rong
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 below.