Targeting regulatory T cells that protect tumors
Regulatory T cells and the tumor microenvironment
Researchers aim to block immune-suppressing regulatory T cells inside tumors so the body’s immune system can better fight many kinds of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I work on how regulatory T cells (Tregs) shut down anti-tumor immune responses and make some cancers resistant to treatment. We use laboratory and animal models together with human cancer biology insights to identify molecules and signals that Tregs use inside tumors. The goal is to develop ways to weaken Tregs only within the tumor environment so that tumors shrink without causing dangerous autoimmune reactions elsewhere in the body. Prior discoveries from this group have already helped bring therapies targeting LAG3, EBI3, and NRP1 into clinical trials, and this program is aimed at finding additional, tumor-selective targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer, especially those whose tumors do not respond well to current immunotherapies, could be candidates for future clinical trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors already respond fully to existing immunotherapies are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make immunotherapy effective for more patients by removing local immune suppression in tumors while avoiding widespread autoimmunity.
How similar studies have performed: Checkpoint-blocking immunotherapies and agents targeting LAG3, EBI3, and NRP1 have shown clinical promise, but selectively disabling tumor-resident Tregs remains a developing and partly untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vignali, Dario Aa — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vignali, Dario Aa
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.