How acidic signals in bone help breast cancer and immune cells drive tumor growth
Mechanism of acid signaling in bone organ metastases on tumor and myeloid cell evolution towards immune suppression and tumor progression
This work looks at whether stopping acid-driven signals in bone metastases can help immunotherapy work better for people with breast cancer that has spread to bone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how acidic conditions in bone change tumor cells and myeloid immune cells and lead to immune suppression and tumor growth. Researchers will use laboratory and animal models of breast cancer bone metastasis plus cellular analyses to trace how acid and cytokine signals drive harmful myeloid cell changes. They will apply genetic and drug-based approaches to block acid signaling and related pathways and test whether that restores responses to immune checkpoint therapies. The team will analyze tumor behavior, immune cell states, and pain- or bone-damage–related outcomes to guide possible new treatment combinations for patients with bone metastases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer that has spread to the bones, especially those receiving or being considered for immunotherapy, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without bone metastases or whose tumors do not rely on acid-driven immune suppression pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to treatments that reduce bone tumor progression and make immunotherapy more effective for breast cancer patients with bone metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work previously showed blocking GM-CSF can restore immunotherapy in bone metastasis models, but directly targeting acid signaling is a newer approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weilbaecher, Katherine Nelson — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Weilbaecher, Katherine Nelson
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.