Mitochondrial Reprogramming in Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Boost Immunotherapy
Official title: Investigating the Mitochondrial Reprogramming Mechanism in Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Counteract Immunosuppression
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11376428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how changing the energy powerhouses in immune cells inside tumors could help support stronger cancer immunotherapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $621,574 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA304577-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers where immunotherapies are used and tumor-associated macrophages play a role in suppression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on TAM-driven immunosuppression or who cannot participate in preclinical animal studies this project uses.
What this research studies
This project focuses on tumor-associated macrophages and how their mitochondria behave in the cancer environment. By examining AMPK’s role in mitochondrial maintenance within these immune cells, researchers aim to uncover new ways to reduce tumor-induced immune suppression. The work will use animal models to explore the cellular signaling pathways that could be targeted to improve responses to existing cancer immunotherapies. If successful, the findings could inform future strategies to make immunotherapies more effective for patients with cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially stronger and more durable responses to cancer immunotherapy for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows mitochondrial metabolism influences immune cell function, but translating this specifically to TAMs and AMPK signaling is an area of active, promising exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Stanley Ching-Cheng — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Huang, Stanley Ching-Cheng
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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.