How a cancer protein pair (CD58 and CD2) helps tumors resist immunotherapy
The role of the CD58:CD2 axis in cancer immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy
This project tests whether an interaction between a tumor protein called CD58 and immune cells' CD2 explains why some melanoma patients don't respond to PD‑1 immunotherapy and whether targeting it can help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178370 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be asked to donate a tumor sample so researchers can compare your melanoma cells and the immune T cells that infiltrate them to study the CD58:CD2 interaction. The team uses paired patient tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes along with advanced CRISPR screens and single-cell RNA and protein measurements to find genes and pathways that let tumors escape immune attack. Promising targets will be tested in the lab with molecular or immune-based strategies to try to restore T cell killing of cancer. Successful lab results could guide new clinical approaches or trials for patients who do not benefit from current PD‑1 drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, especially metastatic cases who have not had a lasting response to PD‑1 or similar immunotherapy and who can provide a tumor biopsy, are the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with cancers other than melanoma or those who cannot provide tumor tissue or undergo biopsy are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments or ways to make PD‑1 immunotherapy effective for more people with melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work showed CD28 is important for PD‑1 responses, but targeting the CD58:CD2 interaction is a novel approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frangieh, Christopher — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Frangieh, Christopher
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.