Origins of tumor-reactive regulatory T cells in colorectal cancer patients
Official title: Unveiling the origin of tumor-reactive regulatory T cells in patients with mismatch repair proficient colon cancer
Funded at Providence Health & Services - Oregon · NIH-11374311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how certain immune cells that can dampen anti-tumor responses (regulatory T cells) arise and behave in colon cancer, with the goal of understanding and potentially guiding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence Health & Services - Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Renton, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $437,113 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA292306-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with mismatch repair proficient colorectal cancer undergoing treatment or undergoing tumor sampling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without available tumor tissue or who do not undergo sampling may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-reactive conventional CD4+ T cells interact in colorectal cancer. They will analyze immune cell populations in patient tumors, track T cell receptors to understand shared origins, and examine how the tumor environment might convert active T cells into Tregs. The project uses single-cell sequencing and in vitro experiments to identify factors that influence T cell plasticity and stability. Findings could reveal new ways to preserve anti-tumor immunity or prevent harmful immune suppression in patients with colorectal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to strategies that maintain strong anti-tumor immune responses in colorectal cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest shared TCR clonotypes between tumor-infiltrating T cell populations, supporting the study approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence Health & Services - Oregon
Renton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duhen, Thomas — Providence Health & Services - Oregon
- Study coordinator: Duhen, Thomas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immune regulation in colon cancer and its spread to lymph nodes and liver
A patient-friendly look at how immune system circuits in colorectal cancer and its metastases may influence treatment responses and outcomes.
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Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.