Improving how breast cancer cells are recognized by the immune system
Targeting MAL2-mediated endocytosis to enhance tumor cell antigen presentation
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11123901
This work explores a new way to help the body's immune cells better find and fight breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11123901 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cancer immunotherapy helps the body's own immune system fight cancer, but it doesn't work for everyone. Our immune cells, called T cells, need to recognize specific markers on cancer cells to destroy them. This project looks at a protein called MAL2 that can hide these markers on breast cancer cells, making it harder for T cells to see and attack them. By understanding how MAL2 works, we hope to find ways to make cancer cells more visible to the immune system, potentially improving how well immunotherapies work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit those with breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors may not respond well to current immunotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancers already respond well to immunotherapy may not see direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies that make breast cancer more responsive to existing immunotherapies, offering more effective treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Immunotherapy has shown success in some cancers, and other studies are also exploring ways to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, XINNA — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, XINNA
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell