Restoring a protein in immune cells to help fight breast cancer
Regulation of tumor associated macrophage function by STAT5 in breast cancer
This project looks at turning on a protein called STAT5 in tumor-associated immune cells (macrophages) to help them attack breast cancer and slow tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269191 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how STAT5 controls macrophages that live near breast tumors and how those cells influence tumor growth and spread. They will use lab-grown cells and mouse models with STAT5 removed or restored in macrophages, and treat cells with the immune signal GM-CSF to see which signals make macrophages more anti-tumor. The team will test whether restoring STAT5 activity in macrophages reduces tumor size and metastasis. Findings will aim to guide new immune-based approaches that reprogram macrophages to support cancer control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future clinical testing would be people with breast cancer, especially those whose tumors show high macrophage involvement or aggressive features.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack macrophage involvement or whose cancers are driven primarily by non-immune mechanisms may be less likely to benefit from STAT5-targeting approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reprogram immune cells to better attack breast tumors, reducing tumor growth and the chance of spread.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and mouse studies have shown that STAT5 activity and GM-CSF can change macrophage behavior and influence tumor growth, but human clinical benefit has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwertfeger, Kathryn L — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schwertfeger, Kathryn L
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.