MYCN's role in creating a suppressive immune environment in neuroblastoma.
Official title: MYCN drives a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment in neuroblastoma.
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11114329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called MYCN affects the immune system in children with neuroblastoma, a type of cancer, to find new ways to help their bodies fight the disease better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $225,101 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA300631-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly those with MYCN amplification.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk neuroblastoma or those whose tumors do not exhibit MYCN amplification may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the MYCN oncogene affects the immune environment in neuroblastoma, a type of cancer primarily affecting young children. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which MYCN alters T cell metabolism, leading to immune suppression that hinders effective treatment. The study aims to identify how MYCN creates a lipid-rich tumor microenvironment that not only supports tumor growth but also impairs the function of immune cells. By uncovering these processes, the research seeks to pave the way for new immunotherapy strategies that could improve outcomes for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting tumor microenvironments in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Eveline — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Eveline
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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.