New drugs that block CHI3L1 for glioblastoma
CHI3L1-Targeted Small Molecules for Glioblastoma
Developing brain-penetrant small drugs that block CHI3L1 to reduce immune suppression and help people with glioblastoma respond better to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318985 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is working to create small drug molecules that target CHI3L1, a protein that helps glioblastoma tumors suppress the immune system. The team is designing compounds that can cross the blood–brain barrier and testing them in lab models and mice to see if they change tumor-associated immune cells and allow more immune cells into tumors. The goal is to produce candidates that can be combined with immunotherapy to shrink tumors and extend survival. Early mouse studies that lowered CHI3L1 showed more tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and smaller tumors, and these findings are being translated into drug development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glioblastoma—especially those whose tumors show CHI3L1 activity or who are being considered for immunotherapy—would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors, or glioblastomas that do not rely on CHI3L1, are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could make immunotherapy work better and slow tumor growth in people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work silencing CHI3L1 in mouse glioblastoma models increased immune cell infiltration and reduced tumor size, but CHI3L1-targeting small molecules are a new and still-unproven therapy.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
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.