SIGLEC‑15: how some tumors hide from the immune system

Elucidating the Immune Suppressive Mechanism of SIGLEC-15 in the Tumor Microenvironment

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11231678

This research tests whether blocking SIGLEC‑15 can help the immune system attack cancers that do not respond to PD‑1/PD‑L1 therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11231678 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The researchers used a genome‑scale screen of human membrane proteins and discovered SIGLEC‑15 as a molecule that suppresses T cell activity in tumors. They are studying where SIGLEC‑15 is expressed in human cancers and how it differs from PD‑L1, including its presence on tumor cells and tumor‑associated macrophages. The team tests monoclonal antibodies that block SIGLEC‑15 in human cancer cell systems and in mouse tumor models to see if T cell responses and tumor control improve. The long‑term aim is to develop a new immunotherapy option for patients whose tumors are PD‑L1 negative or who do not benefit from current checkpoint drugs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancers that show SIGLEC‑15 expression or whose tumors have not responded to PD‑1/PD‑L1 immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack SIGLEC‑15 expression or who are not eligible for experimental antibody trials are less likely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new immune‑based treatment for cancers that fail to respond to current PD‑1/PD‑L1 therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and mouse model studies showed promising results with SIGLEC‑15 blockade, but effectiveness in people has not yet been proven.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.