Targeting MALT1 in African American adults with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma
MALT1 as a rational therapeutic target in African American ancestry patients with DLBCL
This project is developing MALT1‑blocking drugs to help African American adults with aggressive or treatment‑resistant diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have aggressive diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and this work focuses on a protein called MALT1 that helps some tumor cells and immune cells survive. Researchers will use laboratory models that mimic a genetic subtype of DLBCL (MCD) and test selective MALT1 inhibitors that have already been developed. They will study how blocking MALT1 affects tumor growth and the immune cells that normally fight cancer, including regulatory and exhausted T cells. The findings are intended to point toward treatments that make these tumors more responsive to therapy and inform future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults of African American ancestry with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma, especially those with relapsed or refractory disease or tumors showing MCD features (MYD88 and CD79B mutations).
Not a fit: Patients with other lymphoma subtypes, without MCD‑related mutations, or who cannot receive targeted therapies may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could slow tumor growth, reduce immune suppression around the cancer, and lead to new targeted options for patients with resistant DLBCL.
How similar studies have performed: Selective MALT1 inhibitors have shown promising results in lab studies and early‑phase human trials, but their effectiveness in DLBCL remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zappasodi, Roberta — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Zappasodi, Roberta
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.