Targeting a specific prolactin receptor form to help people with autoimmune diseases and B-cell cancers
Official title: Targeting the long isoform of the prolactin receptor to treat autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11362689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist is testing a new approach that targets a particular prolactin receptor to potentially treat autoimmune diseases and certain B-cell cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $438,242 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA276517-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autoimmune B-cell conditions or related B-cell malignancies who could participate in translational studies or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without B-cell malignancies or autoimmune conditions related to prolactin signaling may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how a long form of the prolactin receptor influences the development and progression of autoimmune-related B-cell cancers like DLBCL, BL, and B-ALL. Researchers will study how different receptor forms affect cell growth, survival, and transformation in models that mimic human disease. The work focuses on how prolactin signaling through the long receptor form might drive malignant changes in B cells, with the goal of identifying new intervention points. If successful, the findings could guide the design of therapies that prevent or slow these cancers in patients with autoimmune conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that block harmful prolactin signaling and improve outcomes for patients with autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that prolactin signaling can influence lymphoid cell survival, supporting exploration of this pathway in B-cell cancers.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swaminathan, Srividya — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Swaminathan, Srividya
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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.