Stopping signals that keep the immune system from fighting pancreatic cancer
Targeting the fibroblast-immune cell crosstalk to relieve immune suppression in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment
This project aims to block signals from tumor-supporting fibroblasts so the immune system can better fight pancreatic cancer in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how tumor-supporting cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts talk to immune cells inside pancreatic tumors and how that communication keeps the immune system turned off. Researchers use detailed genetic profiling of human tumor samples and genetically engineered mouse models that mimic early pancreatic lesions to map which signals, including WNT pathway activity, are active. They plan to interrupt those fibroblast–immune cell signals in the lab and in mice to see whether immune cells regain the ability to attack tumor cells. The goal is to find ways to make pancreatic tumors more responsive to immune-based treatments so patients can have more treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with pancreatic cancer, especially those whose tumors show the specific stromal and immune features studied, would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors lack the targeted fibroblast–immune interactions or WNT activation are unlikely to benefit from treatments developed here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that make pancreatic cancer respond to immunotherapy and slow tumor progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies that reprogram the tumor stroma have shown promise but clinical results in pancreatic cancer have been mixed, so this approach is promising but not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina
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.