Inhibiting CDK4/6 to enhance memory T cell formation in cancer treatment

CDK4/6 inhibition during CD8 T cell priming potentiates memory formation in mice and humans

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11051868

This study is looking at how a certain treatment can help your immune system create stronger memory cells that fight cancer, and it's for people who are interested in improving cancer immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051868 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how inhibiting CDK4/6 can improve the formation of memory CD8 T cells, which are crucial for long-term immunity against cancer. By examining both mouse models and human patients, the study aims to understand the effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors on T cell priming and memory development. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including single-cell transcriptional profiling, to analyze the changes in T cell behavior and gene expression in response to treatment. The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by promoting durable immune responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include cancer patients undergoing treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, particularly those with breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy or those with conditions unrelated to T cell immunity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that provide long-lasting protection against cancer recurrence.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with CDK4/6 inhibition in enhancing immune responses, suggesting that this approach may be effective in improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.