Investigating how TLR2 affects immune response in pancreatic cancer
Official title: A Role for TLR2 in Regulating Immune Surveillance in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11085061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein affects the immune system's ability to fight pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients battling this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 19, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $7,572 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA271692-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those with liver metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of TLR2 in regulating immune surveillance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer that often spreads to the liver. The study focuses on how serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins released by the liver can suppress T cell activity, which is crucial for fighting tumors. By examining mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how TLR2 signaling impacts T cell infiltration into PDAC tumors, potentially leading to new immunotherapy strategies. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients with PDAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy options for patients with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with liver metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy responses by targeting immune regulatory pathways, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plesset, Jacqueline — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Plesset, Jacqueline
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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.