Stopping harmful communication between tumors and immune cells
Modeling and targeting tumor-immune signaling interactions in tumor microenvironment
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11289349
Researchers are using AI together with single-cell data, gene editing, and 3-D tumor models to find ways to block signals between cancer cells, supporting stromal cells, and immune cells for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11289349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will map how tumor, fibroblast (CAF), and immune (TAM) cells talk to one another using large human single-cell RNA datasets and new AI models. They will use CRISPR single and double knockouts to disrupt candidate signaling genes and test the effects in 3-D co-culture assays that combine tumor cells, CAFs, and TAMs as well as in genetic mouse models. This systems approach is designed to move beyond single-timepoint snapshots and reveal signaling interactions that sustain tumors or blunt therapy responses. The results are intended to point to molecular targets that could be blocked to improve targeted treatments and immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with solid tumors, particularly those whose cancers are resistant to targeted therapies or immunotherapy, would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: People with blood cancers (leukemias or lymphomas) or tumors driven by unrelated mechanisms may not directly benefit from this tumor‑microenvironment‑focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new drug targets or strategies that block tumor‑supporting signals and improve responses to targeted drugs and immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell mapping and CRISPR screens have already revealed important tumor and immune biology, but combining AI‑driven models with 3‑D co‑cultures and paired CRISPR knockouts is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, FUHAI — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LI, FUHAI
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.
Conditions: Cancers