How the immune protein IL-27 affects the tumor environment and spread of colorectal cancer

Cytokine-mediated regulation of immunity and microenvironment in colorectal cancer metastasis

NIH-funded research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11254894

This project looks at whether blocking the immune protein IL-27 can help the body's immune system fight metastatic colorectal cancer and slow its spread.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11254894 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will measure IL-27 levels in human colorectal tumors and in laboratory models to see where and when it is elevated. They will use mice lacking the IL-27 receptor and give agents that neutralize IL-27 to observe effects on tumor growth and metastasis. Teams will examine tumor tissues with imaging, cell-type analysis, and advanced gene-expression tests to see how immune cells change when IL-27 is blocked. Human tumor samples will be studied alongside mouse experiments to guide approaches that might translate to future treatments for people with metastatic disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer (for example liver or peritoneal metastases), especially those with disease not helped by current immunotherapies.

Not a fit: People with early-stage colorectal cancer, other cancer types, or whose tumors do not show IL-27–related changes are less likely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that boost immune attack against metastatic colorectal cancer and reduce tumor spread.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data suggest blocking IL-27 can reduce tumor growth in models, but translating this approach to patients is relatively novel and not yet established.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.