Improving cancer immunotherapy using metabolites from gut bacteria
Official title: Augmenting cancer checkpoint immunotherapies via microbially-derived metabolites
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-10992146 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the good bacteria in our gut might help cancer treatments work better, especially for patients using immune therapies, by figuring out how these bacteria can boost the body's immune response against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,625 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA272915-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992146 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy who have not achieved satisfactory results from their current treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving immunotherapy or those with cancers that are not responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolites produced by gut bacteria can enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). It explores the relationship between gut microbiota and patient responses to these therapies, aiming to identify microbial mechanisms that improve treatment outcomes. By studying animal models, the research seeks to understand how specific bacterial components can be used to boost the immune response against tumors. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that could make immunotherapy more effective for a larger number of cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatment options for patients who currently do not respond well to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy responses through microbiome modulation, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griffin, Matthew Everett — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Griffin, Matthew Everett
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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.