Investigating a new immune checkpoint to improve cancer treatment
The c-Rel Checkpoint for Immunosuppression and Immunotherapy
This study is looking at a new way to boost cancer treatment by focusing on certain immune cells that might be holding back your body’s ability to fight cancer, and it’s testing a special drug to see if it can help people who haven’t had success with current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10763814 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a newly identified immune checkpoint that could enhance cancer immunotherapy. It aims to explore the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in cancer immunity and how targeting these cells can improve treatment outcomes. The study will investigate the transcription factor c-Rel, which is crucial for MDSC development, and evaluate the effectiveness of c-Rel inhibitors in treating cancer. By elucidating these mechanisms, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies for patients who currently do not respond to existing immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those who have not responded to traditional immunotherapy treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers are already effectively treated by existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments for patients who do not respond to current immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune checkpoints for cancer treatment, but the specific approach of targeting MDSCs through c-Rel is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pear, Warren S — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Pear, Warren S
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.