How tumor scaffolding proteins weaken natural killer cells
Official title: Interplay of natural killer cells and extracellular matrix proteins in solid cancers
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11301905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,987 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276115-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with breast or skin (cutaneous) cancers, especially those with tumors resistant to current immunotherapies.
✕Less likely to help
People with blood cancers or conditions unrelated to solid tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demehri, Shadmehr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demehri, Shadmehr
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Reducing fat buildup in immune cells to help them fight solid tumors
This work tries to help immune cells attack solid cancers by blocking an enzyme (ACC) that causes harmful fat storage in those cells.
-
Creating cancer models from pediatric brain and solid tumors
This study is working to create new models of pediatric cancers, especially brain tumors like DIPG, to help researchers better understand these conditions and develop better treatments for kids battling cancer.
-
How natural killer cells interact with proteins in solid tumors
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the body can affect immune cells that help fight cancers like skin and breast cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients.
-
Improving immune function in solid tumors by altering fat metabolism
This study is looking at how fat metabolism affects the immune system in cancer patients, specifically how a certain enzyme helps immune cells use fats for energy, with the hope of finding new ways to make these cells stronger in fighting cancer.
-
Developing a new antibody treatment for advanced lung cancer
This study is looking at a new treatment called TIGA-001, which uses a special type of antibody to help your immune system fight advanced lung cancer, and if you're interested, you might have a chance to join future trials to see how well it works.
-
Clonal Hematopoiesis Effects with Chemo and Radiation in Solid Cancers
This study tests whether clonal hematopoiesis affects outcomes for adults with solid cancers who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
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.