Improving breast cancer treatment by adjusting immune cells
Targeting FOXP3 mRNA splicing for breast cancer immunotherapy
This project looks for new ways to help your immune system fight breast cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129877 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current cancer treatments that use the immune system are very helpful for some patients, but not all. This project focuses on special immune cells called regulatory T cells, or Tregs, which can sometimes prevent the body from fighting off cancer. We are exploring how a key protein in these Tregs, called FOXP3, exists in two different forms. Our early findings suggest that one specific form, FOXP3S, might help the immune system attack breast cancer more effectively. We are testing a potential drug that could encourage more of this helpful FOXP3S form to improve the body's natural defenses against tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer who may not respond well to current immunotherapies could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer is not influenced by FOXP3 splicing may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective immunotherapy options for patients with breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in animal models have shown promising results, indicating this is a novel approach with early evidence of success.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Baohua — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Baohua
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.