NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how CD4 helper cells influence cancer immunity

Official title: CD4 helper programs that regulate intratumoral immunity

Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11107868 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a type of immune cell called CD4 helper T cells can boost the body's fight against liver cancer, especially for patients getting a specific treatment, and it aims to understand how these cells work with others to make cancer therapies more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2025
Project endMarch 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$532,970
NIH project number1R01CA300217-01
Project IDNIH-11107868 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced liver cancer who are undergoing or considering PD-1 targeted therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage cancer or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of CD4 helper T cells in enhancing the immune response against tumors, particularly in liver cancer patients receiving PD-1 targeted therapy. It aims to identify how these cells interact with other immune cells and contribute to the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. The study will utilize a mouse model to explore the mechanisms by which CD4 helper T cells promote the differentiation of exhausted CD8 T cells into active immune cells that can combat tumor growth. By analyzing the cellular interactions and signaling pathways involved, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve cancer treatment strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients with advanced cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing anti-tumor responses through the modulation of CD4 T cells, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kamphorst, Alice Oliffson — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Study coordinator: Kamphorst, Alice Oliffson

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.