Nrf2 in T cells and how it could boost immune power against bladder cancer
Official title: Role of T-cell-intrinsic Nrf2 and its Targetability in Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11441846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small grant will explore how a T-cell protein called Nrf2 affects muscle-invasive bladder cancer and whether targeting it could help patients respond better to immune therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $398,544 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA318379-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who may benefit from improved T cell responses to therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not rely on T cell responses or who cannot receive immune-based treatments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on bladder cancer that has spread into the muscle layer and often does not respond well to current treatments. It looks at how Nrf2 in CD8+ T cells may keep them from killing cancer cells effectively, and whether turning down Nrf2 makes these T cells more powerful inside tumors. The work includes studies in laboratory models to understand T cell behavior and how metabolism shapes their function, with the goal of finding new ways to improve immune responses in patients. If successful, the findings could guide the development of therapies that restore T cell activity and improve survival for people with this tough cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer could benefit from therapies that revive T cell attack on tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in both humans and models suggest that modulating Nrf2 in T cells can enhance their cancer-fighting activity, with promising but early results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyaram, Kalyani — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pyaram, Kalyani
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Repurposing spironolactone to treat bladder cancer inside the bladder
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-
Body fats and immune signals shaping bladder cancer outlook
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-
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Researchers are testing a new combination approach using a special anti-CD40 antibody with existing bladder cancer therapies to help patients whose NMIBC did not respond to standard BCG treatment.
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This project will use detailed tissue and genetic tests to look for what makes some non-muscle invasive bladder cancers resist BCG so better treatments can be found for people who don't respond.
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A patient-focused overview of a new salt-based nanoparticle therapy designed to target non-muscle invasive bladder cancer that is resistant to BCG treatment.
-
HLA‑E/NKG2A immune 'brake' in early bladder cancer
The team is exploring whether targeting an immune 'brake' called HLA‑E/NKG2A can help people with non‑muscle‑invasive (early) bladder cancer who receive BCG therapy.
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.