Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
Official title: Project 2: Immune signals promoting pancreas cancer stemness and progression
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11171448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Looking at whether an immune signal called IL‑22, working through its receptor IL‑22RA1 and STAT3, makes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells more stem‑like and aggressive to guide future treatments for people with PDAC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $423,030 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA244114-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), especially those whose tumors show high IL‑22RA1 expression, would be most relevant for this research.
✕Less likely to help
People with other types of pancreatic tumors or whose tumors lack IL‑22RA1 expression are less likely to benefit from therapies aimed at this pathway.
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on an immune signal (IL‑22) and its receptor IL‑22RA1, which are higher in pancreatic tumors and linked to worse outcomes. They will study patient tumor samples alongside mouse models and cell experiments to see if IL‑22/IL‑22RA1 activates STAT3 and increases cancer 'stemness' and tumor growth. The team will examine interactions among immune cells, cancer cells, and cancer‑associated fibroblasts and test whether blocking this pathway reduces tumor aggressiveness. Results will be connected to patient data to identify who might benefit from therapies targeting this signaling axis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new treatment target (IL‑22/IL‑22RA1/STAT3) to reduce tumor aggressiveness and recurrence in pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies and tumor analyses have shown high IL‑22RA1 links to stem‑cell features and poorer outcomes, but clinical success targeting this pathway has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
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Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Artandi, Steven E — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Artandi, Steven E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering pancreas cancer program
This program uses advanced genetic testing and new treatment approaches to try to improve care for people with locally advanced or metastatic pancreas cancer.
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.