Finding new ways to make melanoma immunotherapy work better
A novel pathway to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
This research looks for a new way to help patients with advanced melanoma respond better to existing immunotherapy treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients with advanced melanoma do not respond well to current immunotherapy drugs, or their cancer comes back after a good response. This project explores why some melanoma cells resist these treatments, focusing on a specific signal called interferon-gamma (IFNγ) that has both helpful and harmful effects on the immune system. Researchers have found a new role for a protein called ULK1, which seems to block the harmful effects of IFNγ without stopping the helpful ones. By understanding how ULK1 works, we hope to find a way to make immunotherapy more effective for more patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with advanced melanoma who are resistant to or have relapsed after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Not a fit: Patients without melanoma or those who have not received immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help more melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy and prevent their cancer from returning.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of ULK1 in this pathway is novel, other studies have explored ways to modulate immune responses to improve cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana
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.