NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how KIR2DL2 affects T-cell function in cancer treatment

Official title: KIR2DL2 Immune Checkpoint as Modulator of T-Cell Effector Function

Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10813170 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific receptor on T-cells, called KIR2DL2, affects their ability to fight pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to improve immunotherapy treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$224,506
NIH project number5R21CA280233-02
Project IDNIH-10813170 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with pancreatic cancer who are undergoing or considering adoptive cell therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers other than pancreatic cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of KIR2DL2, a receptor found on certain T-cells, in regulating their ability to fight cancer. It examines how KIR2DL2 expression influences T-cell activation and survival, particularly in the context of adoptive cell therapies for pancreatic cancer. By studying the effects of KIR2DL2 on T-cell behavior, the research aims to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments for patients. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of patient samples to understand the implications of KIR2DL2 in cancer progression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies that enhance T-cell responses against tumors, potentially increasing survival rates for cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune checkpoints can enhance T-cell responses in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
    Tampa, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Abate-Daga, Daniel — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
  • Study coordinator: Abate-Daga, Daniel

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.