Improving cancer treatment by blocking a specific enzyme to boost immune response
Modulation of cancer induced immune suppression via inhibition of SCD1
This study is looking at how blocking a specific enzyme might help boost the immune system's ability to recognize and fight cancer, and it's testing a new treatment in mice to see if it works better alone or with other cancer therapies, with the hope of finding ways to identify which patients could benefit the most from this approach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Modulation Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10913640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting the enzyme stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) can enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer. By blocking this enzyme, the study aims to increase the immunogenicity of tumors, making them more recognizable to T cells, which are crucial for immune response. The research utilizes immune-competent mouse models to test the effectiveness of a new SCD1 inhibitor, MTI-301, both alone and in combination with existing immune checkpoint inhibitors. The goal is to identify biomarkers that can help select patients who are most likely to benefit from this treatment in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive cancers that show high levels of SCD1 expression.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not express SCD1 or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing cancer immunotherapy through metabolic modulation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Morgantown, United States
- Modulation Therapeutics, INC. — Morgantown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayes, Karen E — Modulation Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hayes, Karen E
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.