Lowering KLF2 in immune cells to boost immunotherapy for liver cancer
Targeting KLF2 in macrophages to improve immune checkpoint therapy for hepatocellular cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-11286851
Researchers are trying to see if reducing a gene called KLF2 in certain immune cells can help immunotherapy work better for people with liver cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses a mouse model that closely mimics human hepatocellular carcinoma and tracks tumor-specific immune responses over time. They apply single-cell RNA sequencing to map how different immune cells, especially macrophages, change during tumor growth and treatment. The researchers test ways to lower KLF2 in macrophages and combine that approach with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, and they also examine how gut bacteria like Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron may boost treatment effects. Findings are intended to point toward new combination approaches that could be tested in patients with liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those considering or receiving PD-1 checkpoint immunotherapy, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could make checkpoint immunotherapies more effective against hepatocellular carcinoma, potentially improving treatment responses and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical studies have shown that certain gut bacteria can enhance PD-1 immunotherapy in mice, but targeting KLF2 in macrophages is a newer approach still at the experimental stage.
Where this research is happening
FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT — FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, GUANGFU — UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT
- Study coordinator: LI, GUANGFU
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.