Improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting specific immune cells
Official title: Targeting S1P-ACC Axis to Overcome MDSC Suppression
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11107071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make cancer treatments using T cells more effective by figuring out how to stop certain cells that weaken the immune response, which could help patients get better results from their therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,233 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300284-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11107071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are undergoing or considering adoptive T cell therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of adoptive T cell therapy for cancer patients by targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that suppress immune responses. The study focuses on the role of sphingolipids and the enzyme Acetyl CoA carboxylase in modifying the behavior of these immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. By understanding how to reduce the immunosuppressive effects of MDSCs, the research aims to boost the anti-tumor activity of T cells, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by improving the response to immunotherapy in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune suppressive cells to enhance cancer immunotherapy, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehrotra, Shikhar — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Mehrotra, Shikhar
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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.