Understanding how cancer cells suppress the immune system in breast cancer
Official title: Mechanisms of REST-mediated immunosuppression in cancer
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10912498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called REST in breast cancer cells can help tumors hide from the immune system, and it aims to find new ways to boost immunotherapy treatments for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32CA284543-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors exhibit loss of REST function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer who do not have the specific genetic alterations related to REST may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain factors within breast cancer cells can suppress the immune response, allowing tumors to grow and survive. By analyzing genetic data, the study focuses on a specific protein called REST, which, when not functioning properly, is linked to lower levels of immune cells infiltrating tumors. The research uses both animal models and laboratory techniques to explore how the absence of REST affects the immune environment in breast cancer, aiming to identify new targets for improving immunotherapy treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against breast cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune suppression in cancer, but this specific approach focusing on REST is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michaud, Daniel E — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Michaud, Daniel E
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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.