Removing cancer's sugary coating to help the immune system
Targeting the cancer glycocalyx
This project develops therapies that strip sugar molecules and bulky mucin proteins from cancer cells so patients' immune systems and antibody treatments can attack tumors more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308304 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, researchers are working on ways to remove the sugary molecules (sialic acids) and large mucin proteins that coat tumor cells. They are building antibodies linked to enzymes called sialidases to cut away those sugars, and mucin-targeting proteases to break down the bulky mucins. By stripping these protective coatings, the treatments aim to reduce immune suppression and make existing immunotherapies and antibody drugs work better. Most work so far is in the lab and animal models while the team optimizes these targeted molecules before testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients whose tumors show high levels of sialic-acid–containing sugars or overexpress mucin proteins—often seen in aggressive solid tumors—would be the most likely candidates for these therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers lack these glyco-features or who cannot receive experimental biologic therapies may not benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make immunotherapies and antibody-based treatments more effective against aggressive, sugar-coated tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Related enzyme–antibody strategies have produced promising results in laboratory and animal studies but have not yet been proven in human clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bertozzi, Carolyn — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Bertozzi, Carolyn
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.