TP53-mutant NSCLC: how epigenetic viral mimicry could boost immune therapy
Official title: Evaluating the impact of TP53 mutation on the epigenetic therapy viral mimicry response in the non- small cell lung cancer tumor
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11413683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research grant exploring how p53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer affect responses to a viral mimicry-based epigenetic therapy, with the goal of improving immune therapy outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $251,346 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM121322-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors harbor TP53 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TP53 mutations or NSCLC subtypes not driven by this pathway may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project investigates how low-dose epigenetic therapy changes gene expression in NSCLC by triggering antiviral pathways, especially in tumors with TP53 mutations. It looks at how these immune-activating signals interact with the tumor environment and may prime tumors to respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The work involves molecular studies in the lab to understand the links between TP53 status, mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species, and the STING pathway. If findings translate to humans, this could inform future trials combining DNMT inhibitors with immunotherapies for NSCLC. The grant supports early-to-mid stage research at West Virginia University over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TP53-mutant NSCLC could benefit from more effective combinations of epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked DNMT inhibitors and immune activation to enhanced antitumor responses in some cancers, but this approach in TP53-mutant NSCLC is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abbotts, Rachel M. — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Abbotts, Rachel M.
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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.