Reducing harmful cell stress in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Targeting ER stress response in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
This project tests blocking a specific cell 'stress' pathway to slow aggressive B‑cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in people with CLL.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have CLL, this work focuses on a cell stress pathway called IRE‑1/XBP‑1s that helps aggressive CLL cells survive. Researchers compare aggressive (unmutated IgHV) and indolent (mutated IgHV) human CLL samples and use mice that lack AID to mimic the more aggressive form. They will test combinations of drugs that target the ER stress response in lab models and on patient‑derived cells to find approaches that reduce CLL growth. The overall aim is to identify treatments that could move into patient trials in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, especially those with unmutated IgHV or clinically aggressive disease, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without CLL or those with indolent CLL carrying mutated IgHV are less likely to see direct benefit from the approaches tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug combinations that slow or shrink aggressive CLL and improve outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice and analyses of human CLL cells show the IRE‑1/XBP‑1s pathway supports aggressive disease, but clinical testing of pathway blockers in patients remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Chih-Chi Andrew — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Hu, Chih-Chi Andrew
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.