Understanding how bile acids affect immune cells in tumors
Bile acids restrict functional reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor beds
This work explores how certain immune cells in tumors, called MDSCs, are influenced by bile acids, which could help improve cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144255 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer immunotherapy sometimes struggles because specific immune cells, called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), can prevent the body's T cells from fighting tumors effectively. Our previous work showed that by changing a pathway in MDSCs, we could make them more helpful in fighting cancer. Now, we've found that bile acids, which are usually involved in digestion, build up in these reprogrammed MDSCs within tumors. We believe these bile acids might be stopping the MDSCs from fully transforming into cells that boost the immune system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is focused on understanding disease mechanisms and is not currently recruiting patients for direct participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to reprogram immune cells in tumors, making existing cancer immunotherapies more effective for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of MDSCs in cancer is well-established, the specific interaction with bile acids in this context represents a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez, Paulo Cesar — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez, Paulo Cesar
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.