Investigating how cancer cells present peptides to the immune system
Official title: Deeply analyzing MHC class I-restricted peptide presentation mechanistics across alleles, pathways, and disease coupled with TCR discovery/characterization
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11037887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells show certain pieces of themselves to the immune system, which could help us create better treatments that help your body fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $780,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176563-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those with tumors expressing Mesothelin or high-risk HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not express the targeted proteins or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which cancer cells present specific peptides to the immune system, particularly through the analysis of MHC class I molecules. By using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry and peptide arrays, the study aims to identify and characterize peptides derived from cancer-related proteins. The goal is to uncover how these peptides can be effectively recognized by T cells, which play a crucial role in the body's immune response against cancer. This research could lead to the development of more targeted immunotherapies for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies by identifying new targets for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying peptide targets for immunotherapy, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strong, Roland K — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Strong, Roland K
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.