Targeting UNC45A to enhance immune response against aggressive breast cancer
Official title: Suppressing the Co-chaperone UNC45A reprograms the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment to fight Cancer
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11036400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a protein called UNC45A might help the immune system better fight aggressive breast cancers, like triple-negative breast cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to make current cancer treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $587,524 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289415-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-aggressive breast cancer or those who do not have breast cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how suppressing the co-chaperone UNC45A can alter the immunosuppressive environment of tumors, particularly in aggressive breast cancer cases like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By understanding the role of UNC45A in tumor growth and immune evasion, the study aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. The approach involves exploring the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells, with a focus on enhancing the immune response to fight cancer more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with aggressive breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting immune checkpoints like PD-L1, indicating that innovative approaches in this area could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chadli, Ahmed — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Chadli, Ahmed
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.