Finding a way to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells

Identifying and engaging a universal adjuvant for breaking macrophage immune tolerance in cancer

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-10851765

This study is looking at how cancer cells hide from the immune system and aims to find ways to help immune cells, called macrophages, spot and destroy these cancer cells better, which could lead to improved treatments for cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-10851765 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cancer cells avoid detection by the immune system, particularly by macrophages, which are key players in the body's defense against tumors. The project aims to develop methods to break the immune tolerance that allows cancer cells to escape surveillance. By blocking a specific signal called CD47, the researchers hope to enhance the ability of macrophages to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. This could lead to new immunotherapy strategies that improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancers who may benefit from enhanced immune responses against their tumors.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers are not responsive to immune therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that enable the immune system to better target and destroy cancer cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to enhance immune responses against cancer, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
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.