Understanding how a specific immune cell helps fight cancer
Function of Wdfy4 in cross-presentation and immunity
This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell helps activate T cells that fight cancer, with the goal of making current cancer treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10647865 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a particular type of immune cell, known as cDC1 dendritic cells, in activating tumor-fighting T cells. By examining the mechanisms of how these cells present cancer antigens to T cells, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, which is a treatment that helps the immune system attack tumors. The researchers are focusing on a gene essential for the function of these dendritic cells, which could lead to improved cancer treatments and vaccination strategies. Patients may benefit from this research if it leads to better responses to existing immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to immunotherapy or those who are not eligible for such treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that enhance patient responses to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that enhancing the function of dendritic cells can improve immune responses in cancer treatment, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Kenneth M — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Kenneth M
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.