Inhibiting T-cell Signaling to Treat Adult ATLL
Official title: Inhibition of T-cell Receptor Signaling for Treatment of Adult T-cell Leukemia Lymphoma
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11360629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to test whether blocking T-cell receptor signaling can help treat adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma caused by HTLV-1, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $360,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA258359-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HTLV-1-associated ATLL who are candidates for lenalidomide plus EPOCH chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HTLV-1 ATLL or those unable to tolerate chemotherapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a type of blood cancer linked to HTLV-1 and looks at how a specific signaling pathway (TCR) drives the disease. It combines laboratory analysis of IRF4-related targets with a first-in-human dose study of lenalidomide added to standard chemotherapy to see if the combination is safe and effective. Researchers will use RNA sequencing and functional tests to understand how IRF4 and TCR pathway mutations affect ATLL cells, and whether lenalidomide’s effects depend on these mutations. The aim is to identify a therapy approach that can be used with existing chemotherapy to improve survival for ATLL patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to better treatment options and improved survival for people with ATLL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows TCR signaling mutations are common in ATLL and targeting this pathway may enhance chemotherapy effects.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ratner, Lee — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ratner, Lee
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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.