Lowering KLF2 in immune cells to boost immunotherapy for liver cancer
Official title: Targeting KLF2 in macrophages to improve immune checkpoint therapy for hepatocellular cancer
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11286851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274959-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11286851 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those considering or receiving PD-1 checkpoint immunotherapy, would be the most relevant group.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
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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.