How gut microbes and genetics affect autoimmune reactions to cancer treatments
Official title: Host and microbe-dependent mechanisms of enhanced autoimmune susceptibility driven by checkpoint inhibitors
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10916256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cancer treatments might cause immune system issues in people who are more likely to have autoimmune problems, and it aims to find ways to make these treatments safer for those patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI174784-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced-stage cancers who have a history of autoimmune conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any autoimmune conditions or those not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are used to treat advanced cancers, can trigger autoimmune reactions in patients who are genetically predisposed. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these immune-related adverse events (irAEs) by examining the interaction between the immune system and gut microbiome in a mouse model. By identifying the factors that contribute to these adverse effects, the research seeks to improve treatment strategies for patients at risk of autoimmune complications while receiving cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer cancer treatments for patients with autoimmune predispositions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the relationship between the microbiome and immune responses can lead to improved treatment outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salazar, Vanessa — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Salazar, Vanessa
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.