How tumor cells' sensing of damaged DNA/RNA changes immune responses
Delineating how nucleic acid sensing in tumorcells regulate anti-tumor immune responses
This work looks at how damaged DNA or RNA inside tumor cells changes immune signals in people with breast, ovarian, or related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania will examine how DNA damage in cancer cells turns on nucleic-acid sensors (like cGAS-STING and RIG-I) and inflammasomes using laboratory models, animal experiments, and analysis of tumor samples. They will track how these signals change the behavior of antigen-presenting cells and other immune cells inside the tumor microenvironment, and how chemotherapy or radiation influences those pathways. The team aims to determine when these responses help immune attack versus when they promote tumor growth. Findings will be used to suggest strategies for combining DNA-damaging therapies with immune-directed treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast or ovarian cancer, including those with BRCA2-related disease, would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or for future clinical trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate changes to their treatment should not expect direct benefit from this basic and translational research while it is ongoing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify ways to boost anti-tumor immunity or avoid pro-tumor inflammation, guiding better combinations of chemotherapy/radiation and immunotherapy for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies show cGAS-STING activation can enhance anti-tumor immunity while inflammasome effects are mixed, so combining these lines of work is promising but not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haldar, Malay — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Haldar, Malay
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.