How certain proteins affect immune T cells in fighting tumors

Ubiquitin ligase regulation of tissue-resident T cell and anti-tumor activity

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10877814

This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called CD8+ T cells, can become less effective at fighting tumors and aims to understand how a special type of these cells, known as tissue-resident memory T cells, can stay strong and help improve cancer treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10877814 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for recognizing and eliminating tumor cells, can lose their effectiveness in the presence of tumors. It focuses on understanding the role of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) in cancer, particularly how these cells can maintain their function and improve responses to immunotherapy. By comparing TRM from healthy tissues and exhausted T cells from tumors, the study aims to identify key genes that influence T cell function and survival in the tumor environment. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing anti-tumor immunity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who have CD8+ T cells present in their tumors and are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not involve CD8+ T cell activity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients by enhancing the effectiveness of their immune responses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing T cell function through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.

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.
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.