Metabolism of immune-suppressing cells in pancreatic tumors
Metabolic regulation of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer.
This work looks at how certain immune cells in pancreatic cancer use metabolic signals to shut down anti-cancer T cells, with the goal of finding ways to help patients' immune systems fight their 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-11317119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to study immune-suppressing myeloid cells that gather in tumors. They will focus on the CCR1 receptor, the myeloid enzyme IRG1, and the metabolite itaconate to see how these factors change tumor growth and CD8+ T cell activity. The team will remove or block CCR1 or IRG1 in myeloid cells in orthotopic mouse tumors and measure effects on tumor size, immune cell infiltration, and metabolite levels. Findings are intended to point toward drug targets that could reduce immunosuppression in human pancreatic tumors and make immunotherapies work better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those whose tumors are resistant to current immunotherapy approaches, would be the most relevant patient group for future related trials.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors do not rely on myeloid-driven immunosuppression are unlikely to benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to lower immune suppression in pancreatic tumors and improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical mouse studies removing CCR1 or IRG1 have reduced tumor growth and increased CD8+ T cell infiltration, but translating these results to effective human treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yaqing — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yaqing
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.