Immune suppression in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma
Mechanisms of lmmunosuppression in MYCN-driven Neuroblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11238875
This project looks at why aggressive, MYCN-driven neuroblastoma in children weakens the immune system and how that might be reversed.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying why tumors with high MYCN activity attract certain immune cells that then shut down anti-tumor responses. They combine lab models — especially a zebrafish model that mimics childhood neuroblastoma — with analyses of human tumor samples to follow how a protein called CKLF1 draws CD4+ immune cells into the tumor. By removing or blocking CKLF1 in models they aim to see whether the tumor immune environment becomes more active and less able to grow or spread. The goal is to identify targets that could be developed into treatments to help the immune system fight high-risk neuroblastoma in children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with high-risk neuroblastoma, especially tumors with MYCN amplification, would be the most likely candidates for related clinical trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with low-risk neuroblastoma or tumors that do not have elevated MYCN activity are unlikely to benefit directly from findings focused on MYCN-driven mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that restore immune attack and improve outcomes for children with high-risk, MYCN-driven neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have supported links between MYCN, chemokine signaling, and immune suppression, but clinical treatments targeting this pathway in children are still limited.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FENG, HUI — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: FENG, HUI
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.