How LAG3 and antibodies control immune cell activation
Structure-function studies of LAG3 interactions with antibodies and cellular ligands
They are seeing whether different antibodies and natural partners of the LAG3 protein change immune cell behavior to help cancer immunotherapies work better for people with tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307557 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how the immune checkpoint protein LAG3 binds other molecules and how different antibodies change that behavior. Scientists will use biochemical and structural methods to visualize LAG3 interacting with its known ligands (MHCII and FGL1) and test many antibodies that target different parts of LAG3. Lab experiments will measure how these interactions change T cell activity in assays and may use human-derived samples or models relevant to tumors. The goal is to figure out which antibody actions block or bypass ligand binding so future medicines can be designed to boost anti-tumor immunity more reliably.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers—especially those receiving or being considered for LAG3 or PD‑1 immunotherapy such as metastatic melanoma—are the most likely to benefit from advances stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not rely on LAG3-related immune suppression are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide the design of more effective LAG3-targeting immunotherapies and help match treatments to patients who will benefit most.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting LAG3 with antibodies has already improved outcomes for some patients when combined with PD‑1 blockers (including an FDA approval for melanoma), but detailed structural mapping of LAG3 interactions is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luca, Vincent Christopher — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Luca, Vincent Christopher
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.