Understanding how blood vessel changes affect immune response in melanoma
Official title: Unraveling Vascular Mediated Immune Exclusion in Melanoma
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10951261 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in blood vessels might keep immune cells from fighting melanoma tumors, focusing on a protein called Angiopoietin-2, to find new ways to make immunotherapy work better for people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $422,971 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA293766-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951261 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma, particularly those who have shown resistance to current immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which changes in blood vessels can lead to immune cells being excluded from attacking melanoma tumors. It focuses on the role of a protein called Angiopoietin-2, which may disrupt the normal function of blood vessels and prevent immune cells from reaching the tumor. By studying these interactions, the research aims to identify new ways to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for melanoma patients. The approach includes analyzing the tumor microenvironment and the signaling pathways involved in immune cell infiltration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for melanoma patients, potentially increasing treatment effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting tumor vasculature to improve immune responses, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Minah — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kim, Minah
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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.