Targeting SAMHD1 to boost radiation and immune responses in breast cancer
Exploiting SAMHD1 in Directing Radiation and Immunologic Dynamics
Researchers will try targeting SAMHD1 to help radiation and immunotherapy work better for people with triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310188 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how the protein SAMHD1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA after radiation and how that repair can blunt immune activation. The team will use laboratory breast cancer models and analyses of tumor samples to see whether blocking SAMHD1 increases cytosolic DNA, turns on cGAS-STING interferon signals, and attracts CD8+ T cells. They will test combinations of SAMHD1 targeting with radiation and immune checkpoint blockers to look for stronger anti-tumor immune responses. The goal is to identify biological markers and approaches that could guide future treatments for patients with SAMHD1-high tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly whose tumors show high SAMHD1 levels, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than breast cancer or breast tumors that do not overexpress SAMHD1 may be unlikely to benefit from SAMHD1-directed approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make radiation plus immunotherapy effective for more breast cancer patients, especially those with triple-negative disease.
How similar studies have performed: Radiation combined with immune checkpoint therapy has helped some cancer patients but shows limited benefit in breast cancer, and directly targeting SAMHD1 is a novel strategy not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, David Sung-Wen — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Yu, David Sung-Wen
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.