How cancer cells' energy production affects immune response

Mitochondrial Regulation of Antitumor Immunity

NIH-funded research Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11050996

This study is looking at how the energy and changes in cancer cells affect how well the immune system can spot and fight them, with the goal of helping patients who haven't had success with current immunotherapy treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSalk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11050996 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the energy production and metabolic changes in cancer cells influence their ability to be recognized and attacked by the immune system. The study focuses on mitochondrial metabolites and nucleic acids, exploring how manipulating these factors can enhance the immunogenicity of tumors. By understanding the relationship between a tumor's metabolic state and its immune recognition, the research aims to improve outcomes for patients who do not respond to existing immunotherapies. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of tumor models in mice and humans.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those who have not responded to current immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors are already effectively targeted by existing therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for making tumors more susceptible to immune attacks, improving treatment options for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing tumor immunogenicity through metabolic manipulation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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 therapy
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.