Investigating how PPARd affects immune cell function in tumors
Official title: The role of PPARd-controlled CIITA/MHCII expression in Treg's function in tumor immunity
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11167345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called PPARd affects special immune cells that help keep our immune system balanced, and it's using a special type of mouse to see how removing this protein from those cells changes their ability to fight tumors, which could lead to new ways to boost our immune response against cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $276,450 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188938-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers that may benefit from enhanced anti-tumor immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases unrelated to tumor immunity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of a specific protein, PPARd, in regulating immune cells known as regulatory T cells (Tregs) that are crucial for maintaining immune balance and preventing autoimmune diseases. The study uses a unique mouse model where PPARd is selectively removed from Tregs to observe how this affects tumor growth and immune responses. By analyzing the behavior of these modified Tregs in the presence of tumors, researchers aim to understand how PPARd influences the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer therapies by enhancing the immune system's ability to target and destroy tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating immune cell functions to improve cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Ye — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Ye
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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.