Investigating how endogenous retroviruses can enhance cancer immunotherapy
Targeting Endogenous Retrovirus Regulation for Augmenting Cancer Immunotherapy
This study is exploring how certain viruses that are part of our DNA might help boost the immune system's ability to fight melanoma and other cancers, with the goal of finding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) can be utilized to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes, particularly in melanoma and other cancers. The approach involves studying the regulation of ERV expression in tumors and how this can activate the immune response against cancer cells. By examining the presence of specific immune cells that respond to ERV antigens, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with melanoma or other cancers that have low antigen expression and who have not responded to existing immunotherapies.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are highly responsive to current immunotherapy treatments 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 currently do not respond to standard immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in utilizing ERVs to enhance immune responses in various cancer types, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcgeary, Meaghan K. — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Mcgeary, Meaghan 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 below.