Investigating the role of ILT3 in enhancing anti-tumor immunity
Official title: ILT3 (LILRB4) in anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10784911 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special receptor in certain immune cells that can help fight cancer, and by blocking it, the researchers hope to make these cells better at attacking tumors, which could lead to better treatments for patients with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $391,277 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA273885-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784911 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not express ILT3 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific receptor, ILT3, found in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), affects the immune response to cancer. By blocking ILT3, the study aims to reprogram these macrophages to become more effective at fighting tumors. The researchers will use various tumor models to evaluate how this blockade influences tumor growth and the overall immune response. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy treatments for cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the body's immune response against tumors, potentially improving outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways to enhance anti-tumor immunity, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colonna, Marco — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Colonna, Marco
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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.