How the protein CHI3L1 weakens immune attacks in glioblastoma
Chitinase-3-like-1 mediated immunosuppression in Glioblastoma
Seeing if blocking CHI3L1 helps the immune system attack glioblastoma in adults with this brain tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called CHI3L1 that glioblastoma tumors make and release. In mouse models, reducing CHI3L1 increased tumor-infiltrating immune cells, shrank tumors, and improved survival, while raising CHI3L1 had the opposite effect. The team is mapping how CHI3L1 interacts with Galectin-3 and Galectin-3 binding protein to push immune cells toward a tumor-helping state. They will use animal models, tissue analyses, and molecular experiments to find ways to reverse this immune suppression and guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma who are willing to donate tumor tissue or consider enrollment in future immune-based clinical trials would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma or whose tumors do not express CHI3L1 are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that restore immune attack on glioblastoma and improve responses to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and mouse studies reported by the team show promising effects of reducing CHI3L1, but this approach has not yet been proven safe or effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Baoli — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hu, Baoli
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.