Targeting a specific protein to improve immune response in cancer treatment
Official title: Immunotherapeutic targeting of MIF-dependent chaperone activity
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11054625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MIF makes it harder for your immune system to fight tumors, and it’s testing new treatments that could help boost your immune response against metastatic melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $307,603 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279748-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with metastatic melanoma who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with metastatic melanoma are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a protein called MIF affects immune cells in tumors, particularly focusing on its role in suppressing the immune response. By using small molecule inhibitors to block MIF's chaperone activity, the study aims to reverse the immune suppression caused by certain myeloid cells in tumors. The approach involves understanding the mechanisms behind this process and testing the effectiveness of these inhibitors in treating metastatic melanoma. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic strategies that enhance their immune response against cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by improving the immune system's ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar immunotherapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Robert a — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Robert a
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.