Reprogramming liver immune cells to improve cancer treatment
Official title: Metabolically Reprogramming Hepatic Macrophages to Conquer Immune Desert Tumors
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11033675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can change certain immune cells in the liver to help them better fight a tough type of liver cancer that hides from the immune system, and it's being tested in mice to see if it could work for people like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $145,336 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA297030-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with mutations in the CTNNB1 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without the specific genetic mutations related to this study may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how liver immune cells, specifically macrophages, can be reprogrammed to enhance their ability to activate T cells against tumors. The study focuses on a specific type of liver cancer that creates an 'immune desert,' making it difficult for the body's immune system to fight the cancer. By manipulating a metabolic pathway in these macrophages, the researchers aim to restore their function and improve the immune response to the tumor. This approach is being tested in a mouse model to understand its potential effectiveness in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in reprogramming immune cells to enhance anti-tumor responses, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Liangliang — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Ji, Liangliang
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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.