LAIR-1 and how it affects aggressive brain tumors
Role of the collagen receptor LAIR-1 in glioma progression and the tumor immune microenvironment
This project looks at whether the collagen receptor LAIR-1 helps high-grade gliomas grow and hide from the immune system, with the goal of helping people with aggressive brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how collagens in the tumor environment turn on LAIR-1, a receptor that suppresses immune cells and may let high-grade gliomas invade nearby brain tissue. They will analyze tumor and blood samples from patients, perform lab experiments with human-derived immune and tumor cells, and use animal models to test what happens when LAIR-1 is blocked. The team will use genetic and pharmacologic tools to reduce LAIR-1 activity and measure effects on tumor growth and immune cell killing. Findings could point to new immune-based approaches to make treatments more effective against these tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with high-grade gliomas (such as glioblastoma) or patients willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People with other types of cancer, benign brain conditions, or those unable to provide tissue or visit the study site are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that block LAIR-1 to boost the immune system against aggressive brain tumors and slow tumor progression.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting collagen-driven immune suppression is a relatively new approach that has shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, but clinical benefits in patients have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowenstein, Pedro R. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lowenstein, Pedro R.
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.