New approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
Official title: A novel pathway to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11377313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new strategy targets a key pathway in melanoma to boost the effectiveness of immune-based therapies for patients whose cancer resists treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,098,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA285876-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced melanoma who are candidates for immunotherapy and may have tumors expressing the relevant molecular pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on the ULK1-IRF1 pathway or who cannot tolerate potential therapies arising from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how melanoma cells respond to immune therapies and identifies ULK1 as a regulator that can dampen harmful gene signals without lowering beneficial ones. By blocking ULK1’s activity, researchers aim to reduce immunosuppressive genes while preserving immunostimulatory genes, potentially helping more patients respond to immunotherapy. The work includes lab studies in melanoma cells and animal models to understand the molecular interactions between ULK1, IRF1, and gene promoters, with the goal of translating findings into therapies that improve patient outcomes. Results could pave the way for combination treatments that overcome resistance and extend survival for people with advanced melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance responses to existing immunotherapies and help more melanoma patients achieve durable benefit.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests targeting tumor immune signaling can improve responses, but this specific ULK1-IRF1 interaction and its selective effects on immune genes is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Nora Vaz Saleiro, Diana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming Melanoma Treatment Resistance with a Special IL-18 Approach
A Yale-led project tests a special engineered IL-18 immune signal to help melanoma patients who don’t fully respond to current therapies.
-
Prebiotic diet to boost gut health and improve immunotherapy response in melanoma
A diet-based approach using prebiotic foods and nutrition counseling is studied alongside standard immunotherapy to help melanoma patients respond better and reduce side effects.
-
Multivalent circular mRNA vaccines for melanoma immunotherapy
A cancer vaccine approach using tiny circular mRNA vaccines aimed at boosting immune responses against melanoma in combination with existing immunotherapies.
-
Lymph Node–Targeted Co-delivery for Melanoma Immunotherapy
Aimed at improving melanoma treatment, this project tests a targeted vaccine approach that helps the body’s immune system better attack skin cancer.
-
Multifunctional nanoparticles to boost melanoma immunotherapy
A new nanoparticle approach using ultrasound-triggered systems aims to make melanoma immunotherapy work better for patients who don’t respond well to current treatments.
-
Enhancing melanoma immune therapy through DNA methylation-boosted T cells
A doctor-led program at Yale will help patients with melanoma by using specially trained CD4 helper T cells that are epigenetically enhanced to fight cancer.
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.