Investigating how certain immune cells respond to cancer

Tissue-Resident Adaptive CD56bright NK Cell Responses in Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10996575

This study is looking at special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells to see how they help fight cancer, especially focusing on certain types that might be better at attacking tumors and bringing in other immune helpers, which could lead to better treatments for cancer patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996575 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of specific immune cells, known as natural killer (NK) cells, in fighting cancer. It examines different subtypes of NK cells, particularly those that reside in tissues and have memory-like properties, to see how they can effectively kill cancer cells and recruit other immune cells to the tumor site. By analyzing data from a large number of cancer patients, the researchers aim to identify which NK cell subtypes are most effective in anti-tumor responses. This could lead to new insights into enhancing cancer immunotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who have a variety of tumor types and are interested in understanding how their immune response can be enhanced.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not have a significant immune response may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments by harnessing the power of specific immune cells to better target and eliminate tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in utilizing immune cells for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.