Understanding a hormone receptor to help treat autoimmune diseases and B-cell cancers
Official title: Targeting the long isoform of the prolactin receptor to treat autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11132888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a specific hormone receptor contributes to certain autoimmune diseases and B-cell cancers, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $438,242 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA276517-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant for patients with B-cell malignancies such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma, Burkitt's Lymphoma, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and autoimmune B-lymphoproliferative disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without B-cell malignancies or specific autoimmune B-lymphoproliferative disorders are unlikely to directly benefit from this particular research.
What this research studies
We know that certain B-cell cancers, like lymphoma and leukemia, are a serious concern, especially for patients with autoimmune conditions such as lupus. This project looks at how the hormone prolactin, which can worsen lupus symptoms, might also play a role in the development of these cancers. By focusing on a specific version of the prolactin receptor (LF/IFPRLR) that promotes cell growth, we aim to understand how it helps cancer cells survive and multiply. Our goal is to uncover the molecular steps that lead to these diseases, which could open doors for new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies for high-risk B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases like lupus by blocking specific prolactin receptor activity.
How similar studies have gone: The role of prolactin in autoimmune diseases and cell survival is known, but its specific contribution to the evolution of B-cell malignancies through distinct receptor isoforms is a novel area of focus for therapeutic targeting.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swaminathan, Srividya — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Swaminathan, Srividya
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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.