How immune Siglec receptors interact with cell-surface sugars
Exploring Siglec-glycan ligand interactions using chemoenzymatic approaches
This project looks at how immune receptors called Siglecs bind sugar molecules on cancer cells and how that interaction may switch immune responses on or off.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098580 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use chemical and enzyme-based lab methods to create and modify specific sugar molecules on cells and measure how they bind to Siglec proteins. They will map which sugar structures on tumor cells or immune cells bring Siglecs close to or away from activating receptors and how that changes immune signaling. Work will be done in laboratory models and may include human-derived cells or patient samples to identify the glycan ligands that suppress T cell or innate immune responses. The aim is to find molecular targets that could be blocked or altered to restore immune attack on tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced cancers who are willing to provide tumor or blood samples and may be interested in future clinical trials targeting these sugar–Siglec interactions.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or those without cancer are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new therapies that block tumor-driven sugar–Siglec signals and strengthen immune attacks against cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting Siglec–glycan interactions have shown promise in boosting anti-tumor immunity, but clinical testing is still limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Peng — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Wu, Peng
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.