Targeting the adenosine pathway to boost immune responses against liver cancer
Official title: Targeting the immunosuppressive adenosine-axis to overcome T-cell γc cytokine signaling blockade and enhance antitumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Funded at University of Texas El Paso · NIH-11419913 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at helping people with hepatocellular carcinoma, this grant explores a drug target in the tumor environment to make immunotherapies work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 1998 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $522,076 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007592-32 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419913 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from enhanced immunotherapy strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors driven by adenosine-mediated suppression or those unable to tolerate potential combination therapies.
What this research studies
Advanced liver cancer often resists current immunotherapies due to an immunosuppressive tumor environment fueled by adenosine. The project focuses on blocking the adenosine pathway, particularly A2A receptors and related molecules, to lift suppression on T cells. By studying how adenosine dampens IL-2 signaling and T-cell activity, researchers hope to identify combinations that enhance the body’s own immune attack on tumors. This work builds on preliminary data showing adenosine pathway components are linked with worse outcomes in HCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve responses to immunotherapy for liver cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior findings suggest that adenosine pathway inhibitors can boost T-cell killing of HCC cells, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Yong — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Qin, Yong
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Metabolic imaging to guide targeted therapy for liver cancer
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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.