Targeting NNMT in the tumor environment to make immunotherapy work better
Official title: Targeting of Nicotinamide N Methyltransferase (NNMT) in the Tumor Microenvironment to Sensitize Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11434745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to boost cancer treatment by blocking NNMT in the tumor’s supportive tissue so immune therapies work more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $518,151 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316299-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11434745 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with ovarian or colorectal cancer whose tumors have a rich stromal component (CAF-rich tumors) may benefit from this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
This approach may not benefit tumors with little stromal involvement or tumors that do not rely on NNMT-driven metabolic/epigenetic changes.
What this research studies
This project focuses on ovarian and colorectal cancers with a high content of cancer-associated fibroblasts that harbor high NNMT activity. Researchers will test a small-molecule NNMT inhibitor, NNMTi’960, to see how blocking NNMT changes the tumor microenvironment and its response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The work includes lab studies in cell cultures and animal models to understand metabolic and epigenetic changes and their impact on tumor growth and therapy sensitivity. The goal is to identify whether NNMT inhibition can reprogram the tumor stroma to support immunotherapy, potentially leading to better treatment options for patients with these cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NNMT inhibition could make immunotherapy more effective for patients with ovarian and colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies show NNMT inhibition can disrupt CAF function and tumor growth, suggesting potential for translation to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lengyel, Ernst — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lengyel, Ernst
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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.