How natural killer cells interact with proteins in solid tumors
Official title: Interplay of natural killer cells and extracellular matrix proteins in solid cancers
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11061935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the body can affect immune cells that help fight cancers like skin and breast cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $660,987 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly skin and breast cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with hematological malignancies or those not diagnosed with solid tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural killer (NK) cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in solid cancers like skin and breast cancer. The study aims to understand how ECM proteins affect the function of NK cells, which are crucial for the immune response against tumors. By exploring the mechanisms that lead to NK cell dysfunction in these cancers, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapies and treatments for solid tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the immune response against solid tumors, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing NK cell activity in hematological cancers, but this approach in solid tumors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demehri, Shadmehr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demehri, Shadmehr
Related research
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-
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-
Clonal Hematopoiesis Effects with Chemo and Radiation in Solid Cancers
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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.