How tumor scaffolding proteins weaken natural killer cells
Interplay of natural killer cells and extracellular matrix proteins in solid cancers
This research explores how proteins that surround tumors change natural killer cells in people with breast or skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301905 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying how the proteins and fibers that make up the tissue around tumors can turn off natural killer (NK) cells that normally fight cancer. They will examine tumor samples and use laboratory cell and animal models to see how collagen and other extracellular matrix components alter NK cell behavior. The team plans to test ways to block or reverse those matrix effects, including targeted antibodies or molecular tools, to restore NK cell killing. The work focuses on breast and skin cancers with the aim of identifying steps that could lead to new treatments that help the immune system work better against solid tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with breast or skin (cutaneous) cancers, especially those with tumors resistant to current immunotherapies.
Not a fit: People with blood cancers or conditions unrelated to solid tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that help boost NK cell activity and improve immune-based therapy for breast and skin cancers.
How similar studies have performed: NK cell therapies have had strong results in blood cancers but have struggled in solid tumors, and targeting the tumor matrix is a relatively new and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demehri, Shadmehr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demehri, Shadmehr
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.