LKB1-linked immune resistance in lung cancer and new therapies
Official title: Deciphering LKB1-associated immunotherapy resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11076735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing new ways to treat a common lung cancer subtype by targeting how LKB1 mutations suppress the immune response and make tumors harder to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,136,122 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA257906-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with LKB1-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) or related conditions who may be eligible for future targeted therapies or immunotherapy strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without LKB1 mutations or those not eligible for the proposed approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on lung adenocarcinoma patients whose tumors have LKB1 mutations, a group with poor responses to current immunotherapies. By studying how LKB1 loss changes metabolism and immune signaling, the team aims to identify strategies that reactivate the immune system against the cancer. The plan includes testing approaches that reverse immune suppression and potentially boost the effectiveness of existing treatments in people with this mutation. The work leverages data and models from lung cancer biology to translate findings into patient-relevant therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with LKB1-mutant LUAD could gain new treatment options that overcome immune resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest that reversing LKB1-loss–driven immune suppression can restore anticancer immunity and tumor control in models.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Haian — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Fu, Haian
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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.