Immune cells linked to liver cancer in people with HIV
Tumor-associated pDC (TApDC) in liver cancer with HIV infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11241102
Developing treatments that target a specific immune cell to help people with liver cancer who also have HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11241102 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how tumor-associated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) shape the immune environment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for people living with HIV. Researchers will study immune samples and use humanized mouse models to see whether removing or changing pDCs improves anti-tumor T cell responses during antiretroviral therapy and checkpoint inhibitor treatment. The team will test approaches that could reduce inflammation-related tissue injury and restore exhausted CD8+ T cell function. Successful lab and preclinical findings would be used to design therapies that could move into clinical testing for people with HIV and HCC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who have been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and who can attend visits at a study center would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People without HIV, those with other types of liver disease, or patients who are not eligible for immunotherapy would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new therapies that improve immune control of liver tumors and reduce harmful inflammation in people with HIV and HCC.
How similar studies have performed: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have helped some patients with liver cancer, but targeting plasmacytoid dendritic cells in HIV-positive HCC is a novel approach with limited prior human data.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SU, LISHAN — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: SU, LISHAN
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus