Understanding how a specific protein affects immune responses against tumors
Official title: A Novel Regulator of Antitumor Immunity and Immunotherapy
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11056141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called NELF affects the immune response of certain T cells in tumors, with the goal of finding better ways to boost cancer treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $656,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA288321-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that involve CD8+ T cell responses and who may be experiencing immune exhaustion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve CD8+ T cell responses or those who are not undergoing immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called negative elongation factor (NELF) in regulating the immune response of CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment. The study aims to uncover how NELF influences T cell activity, particularly in the presence of high levels of tumor antigens that can lead to immune exhaustion. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies to enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer immunotherapy. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reinvigorate the immune response in cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting immune exhaustion in cancer therapy, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Rong — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Li, Rong
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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.