Reprogramming immune cells to fight cancer
Reprogramming myeloid cells to inhibit cancer development
This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help cancer grow and how we might change them to fight cancer better, focusing on a protein called LILRB3 that helps these cells hide from the immune system, with the goal of finding new treatments that boost the body's ability to fight tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain immune cells, specifically myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), contribute to cancer development and how they can be reprogrammed to inhibit this process. The team is focusing on a specific protein, LILRB3, which is found on these immune cells and plays a role in suppressing the immune response against tumors. By understanding the signaling pathways and interactions of LILRB3, the researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies, including blocking antibodies that can enhance the immune response to cancer. This approach is being tested in both laboratory settings and mouse models to evaluate its effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are influenced by immune suppression, particularly those with breast cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve myeloid-derived suppressor cells or those who are not responsive to immune-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the body's immune response against cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune checkpoints similar to LILRB3, indicating that this approach could be a viable strategy in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Chengcheng — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Chengcheng
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.