Reprogramming immune cells to fight brain tumors
Official title: Reprograming Macrophages and Targeting Glioma Stem Cells in Glioblastoma
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10894800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help the immune system fight glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, by changing certain immune cells called macrophages so they can better attack the tumor, and it's for anyone affected by this condition who wants to see new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,425 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128938-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who may benefit from novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, and aims to reprogram certain immune cells called macrophages to enhance their ability to attack tumor cells. By converting tumor-promoting macrophages into tumor-suppressive ones, the study seeks to improve the immune response against glioma stem cells, which are known to contribute to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. The researchers are using innovative screening methods to identify small molecules that can facilitate this reprogramming and enhance macrophage activity against glioblastoma cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma by enhancing the body's immune response against the tumor.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in reprogramming immune cells to combat various cancers, suggesting that this approach may be effective for glioblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bao, Shideng — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Bao, Shideng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Reprogramming macrophages to fight glioblastoma by targeting glioma stem cells
Aims to find drugs that reprogram tumor-supporting immune cells in glioblastoma to become tumor-fighting, helping kill cancer stem cells.
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Changing Immune Cells to Fight Brain Tumors
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Small molecules to block Slit2/ROBO in glioblastoma
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Immunotherapy for glioblastoma: advancing treatment and understanding
A patient-friendly summary of a grant exploring new immune-based treatments for glioblastoma to improve options for people affected by this brain cancer.
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Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
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Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
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.