How bacteria-derived molecules can enhance cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Role of bacterial-derived small molecules in immunotherapy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11130378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules made by bacteria can help make immunotherapy work better for people with non-small cell lung cancer, especially for those who haven't had success with current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $540,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292532-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded to standard immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who have not undergone immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small molecules produced by bacteria in improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The approach involves transplanting microbiota from patients who respond well to immunotherapy into mice with lung cancer to observe changes in tumor growth. The study has identified specific bacterial strains that stimulate immune responses and has developed a novel small molecule, Bac429, which shows promise in enhancing the effects of anti-PD-1 therapy. By understanding how these bacterial-derived molecules work, the research aims to improve treatment outcomes for patients who currently do not respond to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved response rates and overall survival for patients with treatment-refractory non-small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that microbiota can influence cancer treatment responses, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jobin, Christian — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Jobin, Christian
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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.