Keeping gut resident memory T cells under control
Molecular Pathways Regulating Tissue-resident Memory T cells in the Gut
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11318916
Researchers are looking at how immune brakes like CTLA-4 and PD-1 stop gut resident memory T cells from causing inflammation in people treated with cancer immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on immune cells in the gut called tissue-resident memory (Trm) T cells and how checkpoint proteins such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 keep them regulated. Scientists compare intestinal biopsy samples from patients who developed colitis after checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy with samples from healthy people using single-cell sequencing and T cell receptor tracking. They are mapping which Trm clones expand and what molecular pathways switch them into an inflammatory, cytotoxic state when inhibitory signals are lost. The aim is to identify targets that could prevent or treat severe gut inflammation caused by cancer immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who developed gut inflammation after receiving CTLA-4 or PD-1 blocking immunotherapy, or cancer patients willing to provide intestinal biopsy samples for research.
Not a fit: People not treated with checkpoint inhibitors or without gut inflammation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or treat severe colitis caused by checkpoint-blocking cancer drugs, making immunotherapy safer for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier single-cell studies have shown expanded cytotoxic Trm cells in checkpoint-inhibitor colitis, but turning those findings into targeted treatments is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DOUGAN, MICHAEL LAWRENCE — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DOUGAN, MICHAEL LAWRENCE
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 below.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer, Autoimmune Diseases