Targeting specific immune cells to fight advanced prostate cancer
Therapeutic targeting of CD206+ TAMs to enhance adaptive and innate anti-tumor immune responses in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11128774
This project looks for new ways to make the immune system stronger against advanced prostate cancer by changing certain immune cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Advanced prostate cancer often has immune cells called TAMs that actually help the tumor grow and resist treatments. These TAMs can block other helpful immune cells, like T cells, from attacking the cancer. Our team is exploring a new approach to reprogram these unhelpful TAMs into cells that fight the tumor instead. We are focusing on a specific marker called CD206 on TAMs, using a special compound to change their behavior. This could make current immune therapies more effective for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who may not respond well to current immune checkpoint therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those whose tumors do not have the specific immune cells targeted by this approach may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make existing immune therapies work better for men with advanced prostate cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: Our team has already shown that targeting CD206 with a specific compound can reprogram immune-suppressive cells in both human and mouse models.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZARIF, JELANI CHINELO — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ZARIF, JELANI CHINELO
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.
Conditions: Bone Cancer, Bone cancer metastatic, Cancer Model, Cancer Patient, CancerModel