Investigating how IL-27 helps T cells fight tumors

IL-27 functions as a novel signal 3 cytokine and promotes cytotoxic T cell responses to tumors

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-11054771

This study is looking at how a substance called IL-27 can help boost the immune system's ability to fight tumors, with the hope that it will lead to better cancer treatments for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054771 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of IL-27, a cytokine, in enhancing the immune response of CD8+ T cells against tumors. By using a CRISPR-based screening platform, the researchers aim to identify the necessary signals that promote the effectiveness of these T cells in cancer therapy. The study will explore how manipulating IL-27 can improve the infiltration and activity of CD8+ T cells in tumors, potentially leading to better outcomes for cancer patients. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance their immune response to cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are not responding to current immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve CD8+ T cell responses may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that significantly improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing T cell responses through cytokine manipulation, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapy
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.