IL-9–secreting Tc9 cells trigger tumor cell death to fight cancer
Official title: Novel mechanism of induction of tumor pyroptosis by IL-9-secreting Tc9 cells
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11359695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses IL-9–producing Tc9 immune cells to boost the body's own ability to kill cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $473,214 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282099-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with cancers where Tc9-like immune responses could be harnessed or enhanced in future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients enrolled in this study may not experience direct benefit if the work remains at preclinical or early translational stages.
What this research studies
This project studies how a specific type of immune cell, Tc9 cells that release IL-9, may cause tumor cells to die through multiple programmed death pathways. The research builds on animal and human cell data showing Tc9 cells can produce stronger anti-tumor effects than Tc1 cells and may activate both pyroptosis and apoptosis in tumors. By examining mechanisms like caspase-1–dependent pyroptosis and caspase-3–dependent apoptosis, the study aims to understand how Tc9 cells can overcome established tumors. The findings could guide future therapies that enhance Tc9 cell activity against cancer in patients. The work is led by Qing YI at Methodist Hospital Research Institute in Houston, with a focus on translational relevance to human cancer Treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform new cell-based immunotherapies that more effectively induce tumor cell death in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and early human data suggest Tc9 cells can produce stronger anti-tumor effects than Tc1 cells, supporting potential translation to patient therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Qing — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yi, Qing
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.