How the A20 protein affects the immune system's fight against solid tumors
A20 and Tumor Immune Responses
Researchers are learning how the A20 protein keeps immune cells from destroying solid tumors, aiming to help cancer patients get stronger immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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-11141822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called A20 that appears to limit immune attacks inside solid tumors. Scientists will use lab models, engineered immune (CAR) T cells, and molecular techniques like ATAC-seq to find the exact parts of A20 that block immune activity. They will alter that biochemical motif and test whether immune cells—including transferred T cells—perform better against tumors in preclinical models. The goal is to identify targets that could be used later to improve immunotherapies for people with solid tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with solid tumors who are being considered for immune-based treatments or future CAR T/adoptive cell therapies would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to solid-tumor immunity, such as many non-cancer illnesses or blood cancers not treated with the same approaches, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to boost immune- and cell-based therapies, potentially making treatments like CAR T more effective against solid tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Other efforts to enhance immune checkpoints and improve CAR T–cell activity have helped some cancers, but targeting A20's specific biochemical motif is a newer approach that is mainly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Averil I — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ma, Averil I
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.