Tumor immune markers and colorectal cancer differences in Black and White patients
Defining the role of tumoral MHC Class I Expression in Mediating Colorectal Cancer Racial Disparities
This project looks at whether lower levels of a tumor protein that helps immune cells recognize cancer (MHC Class I) contribute to worse colorectal cancer outcomes in African American/Black patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174378 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare tumor samples from African American/Black and White colorectal cancer patients to measure MHC Class I levels and map where CD8+ T cells are located within tumors. They will use advanced multispectral imaging to see how tumor cells and immune cells interact and analyze whether reduced MHC Class I links to fewer or less functional T cells. Laboratory experiments will explore why MHC Class I is lower in some tumors and test candidate biomarkers and immune-targeted approaches. The team aims to find markers and targets that could help explain and reduce survival differences between groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer—especially African American/Black patients but also White patients willing to provide tumor tissue or clinical information—are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or those whose tumors do not show immune-related changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that identify patients at higher risk and to immune-focused treatments that improve survival for African American/Black colorectal cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked MHC Class I levels and CD8+ T cell presence to cancer outcomes, but using this approach specifically to explain racial disparities in colorectal cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rubinstein, Mark P — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Rubinstein, Mark P
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.