Understanding how cancer cells use exosomes to evade the immune system

Mechanisms of Exosome Driven Immunoregulation of Cancer Progression

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10381379

This study is looking at how cancer cells use tiny bubbles called exosomes to hide from the immune system, which might help explain why some people respond better to cancer treatments than others, with the hope of creating more personalized therapies for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10381379 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cancer cells package immune checkpoint proteins into exosomes, which can then suppress the immune response against tumors. By studying the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to identify why some patients respond well to cancer immunotherapies while others do not. The team of experts will explore the role of exosomal PD-L1 in immune regulation and its impact on T cell function, with the goal of personalizing cancer treatments based on individual responses. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies tailored to their specific cancer types.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant conditions or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that are more effective for a broader range of patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune checkpoint mechanisms, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.