Investigating how a specific molecule helps improve anti-tumor T cell responses
Official title: ICOS is an important mediator of both resident memory cell formation, and improved durability and persistence of anti-tumor T cells
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11068785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called ICOS can help improve a cancer treatment called adoptive T cell transfer therapy, which is used for patients with metastatic melanoma, to make it work better and help more people fight their cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2025 |
| Project end | February 19, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,538 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA291027-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic melanoma or other cancers who are undergoing or considering adoptive T cell transfer therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have tumors or those whose cancers are not treated with adoptive T cell transfer therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of adoptive T cell transfer therapy, which is a promising treatment for certain cancers like metastatic melanoma. The study aims to understand the role of the inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS) in helping T cells become resident memory cells in tissues, which is crucial for long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. By analyzing how ICOS interacts with T cells, the research seeks to identify ways to improve patient responses to this therapy. If successful, this could lead to better outcomes for patients who currently do not respond to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with tumors that are resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that enhancing T cell memory can improve anti-tumor responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wittling, Megen Claire — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Wittling, Megen Claire
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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.