How T cells tell cancer cells apart from healthy cells
The role of positive and negative regulation on ligand discrimination by the TCR signaling pathway
Researchers are looking at how T cells decide whether to stay calm or launch an attack, which could help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies the way T cell receptors respond when they touch bits of proteins from cancer or normal cells, comparing signals that keep T cells quiet with signals that make them active. Scientists will use lab experiments on immune cells, biochemical tests, and mathematical ideas about timing (called kinetic proofreading) to see how feedback controls change signaling. The work uses human-relevant models and samples to link molecular steps to how T cells behave in cancer. Findings aim to explain why small differences in contacts can lead to very different immune outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or individuals willing to donate blood or tumor samples to UCSF for lab research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those not providing samples are unlikely to see any direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide better immunotherapies that make T cells attack tumors more reliably while reducing harmful autoimmunity.
How similar studies have performed: Many studies have revealed parts of T cell signaling and have informed successful immunotherapies, but the specific role of feedback mechanisms in fine discrimination remains an active and developing area.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakraborty, Arup K. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chakraborty, Arup K.
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.