Role of tumor cell hypoxia pathways in blocking immune attack against cancer
Official title: Elucidating the role of tumor cell-intrinsic hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α pathway activation in tumor immune evasion
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11330249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist is studying how low-oxygen signals inside tumor cells help tumors hide from the immune system and resist immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,195 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA270394-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers treated by immunotherapies who may benefit from improved responses in future treatments.
✕Less likely to help
This work is preclinical; it may not immediately benefit patients who currently receive standard therapies.
What this research studies
This project explores how activation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α inside cancer cells may prevent immune cells from reaching and attacking tumors. Using genetic tools and tumor models, the researcher will examine how these signals affect T cell priming, infiltration, and response to immune checkpoint therapy. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that cause resistance to therapies like CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers, with the aim of guiding future strategies to overcome it. The work is designed to translate lab findings toward enabling better, longer-lasting responses for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches that make immunotherapies work for more patients and reduce the chances of resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies suggest hypoxia signaling can influence immune responses, but the precise tumor-intrinsic roles in immune evasion are still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trujillo, Jonathan a — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Trujillo, Jonathan a
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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.