Investigating immune cells in the prostate and their role in cancer development
Official title: Understanding Prostate Resident Memory T Cells
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11010343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the prostate help fight infections and inflammation, which can lead to prostate cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent and treat prostate-related issues like prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $41,824 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI176705-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include men at risk for prostate cancer or those experiencing prostate inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with prostate cancer who are already undergoing treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific immune cells, known as CD8+ resident memory T cells, function within the prostate gland. The study aims to explore how these cells respond to infections and inflammation, which are linked to prostate cancer development. By examining the mechanisms that allow these T cells to adapt and persist in prostate tissue, the research seeks to develop strategies for enhancing immune responses tailored to treat prostate-related diseases. This could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for conditions like prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy strategies for preventing and treating prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Takehara, Kennidy — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Takehara, Kennidy
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.