Investigating how immune cells affect glioblastoma growth
Official title: AHR-mediated immunosuppression in glioblastoma
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10667431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the brain, called tumor-associated macrophages, affect glioblastoma and how we can use this information to create new treatments that help the immune system fight the tumor better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $469,890 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES029136-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10667431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain tumor. Researchers are exploring how these immune cells interact with tumor cells and influence T-cell immunity, particularly through a pathway involving the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). By targeting AHR and its effects on TAMs, the study aims to develop new immunotherapeutic strategies that could enhance the immune response against glioblastoma. Patients may be involved in trials that test new treatments aimed at modifying the behavior of these immune cells to improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapies that significantly improve survival rates for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting immune checkpoints in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective for glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quintana, Francisco J. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Quintana, Francisco J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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AHR-driven immunosuppression in glioblastoma and new therapeutic targets
A personalized cancer study aims to understand why glioblastoma suppresses the immune system and to find ways to boost anti-tumor immunity in patients with this brain tumor.
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Understanding and Overcoming T cell Immunosuppression in Glioblastoma (GBM)
A large research program is looking at how glioblastoma tumors weaken immune responses and how to boost immune cells to fight GBM.
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How the protein CHI3L1 weakens immune attacks in glioblastoma
Seeing if blocking CHI3L1 helps the immune system attack glioblastoma in adults with this brain tumor.
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Investigating how a protein affects immune response in brain tumors
This study is looking at how glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, manages to escape the body's immune defenses, focusing on a protein called CHI3L1, to find new ways to help the immune system fight the tumor better.
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Understanding how certain immune cells affect glioblastoma progression
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) affect glioblastoma, a tough brain cancer, and how these cells might differ between men and women, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients respond to treatments.
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Exploring ways to enhance T cell activity against glioblastoma
This study is looking at ways to make treatments for glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, work better by focusing on the immune system's T cells, and it aims to find new ways to boost these cells to help patients feel better.
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.