How immune cells use CD11a to organize in lymph nodes for better cancer immunity
Integrin-mediated regulation of type-1 dendritic cell positioning and function in lymph nodes
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11324234
Looking at how a protein called CD11a helps certain immune cells line up in lymph nodes so they can better activate cancer-fighting T cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324234 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Washington will study how CD11a controls the placement of LN-resident DC1 cells near blood vessels and how that placement affects interactions with migratory dendritic cells that carry tumor antigens. They will use laboratory models, high-resolution imaging of lymph nodes, and experiments that follow antigen transfer between dendritic cell subsets. The team will alter CD11a function to see whether changing DC1 positioning improves the ability to stimulate CD8 T cells that kill tumors. This is preclinical work intended to point toward new ways to improve cancer immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with solid tumors who are interested in immunotherapy or future clinical trials designed to enhance dendritic cell function would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People needing immediate treatment, patients with conditions unrelated to solid tumors, or those with severe immune suppression are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new strategies to boost vaccine or immunotherapy responses against solid tumors by improving how tumor antigens are presented to T cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows dendritic cell location influences immune responses and has guided some immunotherapy concepts, but targeting CD11a to improve antigen transfer is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GERNER, MICHAEL — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: GERNER, MICHAEL
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.