Investigating how aging affects liver cancer through immune signaling and bile acids
Official title: Project 3: Chronic interferon and bile acid signaling as drivers of immunosuppression in age-related liver cancer
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10908397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term inflammation and changes in the immune system in older adults might lead to liver cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatment for this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $413,965 |
| NIH project number | 5P01AG073084-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those over 60, who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with liver cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 60 or do not have liver cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how chronic inflammation and immune signaling changes in older adults contribute to liver cancer. It examines the role of chronic interferon signaling and bile acids in suppressing the immune response against tumors. By analyzing how these factors interact, the research aims to uncover new insights into why liver cancer is more prevalent in older populations and how these mechanisms can be targeted for better treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for liver cancer in older patients by enhancing the immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting bile acid signaling in liver cancer is relatively novel, there is existing research indicating that immune checkpoint modulation can improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaech, Susan M — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Kaech, Susan M
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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.