How tumor DNA damage talks to the immune system
Tumor cell instrinsic DNA damage signaling to the immune response
This work looks at whether DNA damage and chromosome instability in tumors can trigger immune responses that might help people with BRCA2-related breast or ovarian cancer.
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-11309622 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using cell experiments, biochemical tests, and mouse models to see how broken or mis-segregated tumor DNA creates immune signals. They focus on pathways that sense DNA and RNA (including cGAS-STING, MDA5, and RIG-I) and on an inflammasome called NLRP9 that may suppress immune responses. The team studies BRCA2-related cancer models to link chromosome instability with either immune activation or immune suppression. Findings could point to ways to shift tumors toward stronger T-cell–mediated attack.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with BRCA2-associated breast or ovarian cancer, particularly those whose tumors show chromosomal instability or who are receiving DNA-damaging treatments, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without BRCA2-related disease or with cancers driven by unrelated mechanisms (or with severe immune compromise) may be less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets or strategies to boost immune responses against BRCA2-related tumors and improve how DNA-damaging therapies work.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical studies have shown the cGAS-STING pathway can promote anti-tumor immunity, but the involvement of inflammasomes like NLRP9 is newer and less well tested.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberg, Roger a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Greenberg, Roger a
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.