Targeting how IL-17 signaling changes regulatory T cells in colorectal cancer
Official title: Controlling tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cell function by the IL-17-Ybx1 signaling pathway
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11367653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will study how a specific immune pathway affects regulatory T cells in colorectal cancer to discover ways to block tumor-friendly T cell activity without harming normal immune balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $484,918 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA304166-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with colorectal cancer or those at risk, in whom future translational approaches might be tested based on Treg biology and IL-17 signaling.
✕Less likely to help
Active patients in this project are animals or cellular models; direct patient benefit would come later through translated therapies.
What this research studies
In this research, scientists will explore how the IL-17 signaling pathway changes tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells and how that affects cancer growth. They will look at how IL-17 influences RNA splicing and the activity of key proteins like Ybx1 in Tregs, using mouse models of colorectal cancer. The goal is to identify targeted interventions that could reduce tumor immune suppression while preserving healthy immune function. The work may inform future therapies that selectively modulate Tregs in the tumor environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies that weaken tumor-supporting immune suppression and improve responses to cancer therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that modulating IL-17 signaling can alter regulatory T cell behavior and tumor progression in mouse models, supporting translational potential.
Where this research is happening
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University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Kepeng — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Wang, Kepeng
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.