How triple-negative breast tumors shut down immune cells
Dissecting Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor-Induced Myeloid-Mediated Immune Suppression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Researchers are seeing how a tumor protein called TAZ causes immune-suppressing cells to gather in triple-negative breast cancer to find ways to improve immune-based treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11192928 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, scientists will study the role of a tumor protein named TAZ that appears to help tumors recruit immune-suppressing myeloid cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). They will use high-dimensional cell analysis (mass cytometry), genetic knockdown of TAZ in tumor models, and studies of tumor and immune cells to trace how TAZ changes the tumor immune environment. Much of the work uses preclinical TNBC mouse models alongside tumor-derived cells and samples to understand which myeloid populations (like MDSCs and tumor-associated macrophages) are affected. Findings are intended to point toward new strategies to reduce immune suppression and make immunotherapies work better for people with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most relevant patients would be people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those willing to provide tumor tissue or participate in future trials targeting tumor-immune interactions.
Not a fit: People without triple-negative breast cancer or those seeking immediate treatment changes (rather than contributing samples to research) are unlikely to get a direct benefit from this research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new ways to block tumor-driven immune suppression and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy for people with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Immune checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy have helped some TNBC patients modestly, but targeting tumor TAZ and myeloid-driven suppression is a newer, mostly preclinical approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Toledo, United States
- University of Toledo Health Sci Campus — Toledo, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianmin — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianmin
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.