NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting specific immune cells

Official title: Targeting GPR84 to Overcome Macrophage Mediated Resistance to Immunotherapy

Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11082295 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain immune cells in tumors can make cancer treatments less effective, and it hopes to find ways to change these cells so they help fight cancer instead, which could improve treatment outcomes for people with bladder cancer and other types of tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startApril 18, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$360,696
NIH project number5R01CA269984-03
Project IDNIH-11082295 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with bladder cancer or other tumors who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with tumors that do not involve macrophage-mediated resistance or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain immune cells, specifically tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), contribute to the resistance against cancer immunotherapy. By understanding the molecular signals that influence these macrophages, the study aims to develop strategies to reprogram them from promoting tumor growth to supporting anti-tumor immune responses. The approach focuses on the role of fatty acid signals in this transformation, which could enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients. Patients with bladder cancer and other tumors may benefit from insights gained through this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients receiving immunotherapy by overcoming resistance mechanisms.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in reprogramming immune cells to enhance cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • Ohio State University
    Columbus, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Xin, Gang — Ohio State University
  • Study coordinator: Xin, Gang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.