Targeting a specific immune pathway to improve cancer treatment

Targeting a phosphatidylserine/TAM receptor/PD-L1 axis as a vulnerability in cancer

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11012361

This study is looking at how specific immune system receptors interact with cancer cells to weaken the body's ability to fight tumors, and it hopes to find new treatments that can boost your immune response against cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11012361 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain receptors in the immune system, known as TAM receptors, interact with cancer cells to suppress the body's natural immune response against tumors. By understanding the role of phosphatidylserine in the tumor microenvironment, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that can enhance anti-tumor immunity. The approach involves studying the mechanisms by which these receptors inhibit immune responses and exploring potential treatments that could disrupt this process. Patients may benefit from new therapies designed to improve their immune response to cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with advanced solid tumors that may be utilizing immune evasion mechanisms.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those whose tumors do not express the targeted immune pathways may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
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.