Understanding how CD56 affects human natural killer cells
Official title: Defining the functional role of CD56 on human natural killer cells
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10908665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called CD56 on immune cells that help fight viruses and cancer, to see how it works with other parts of these cells and how changes to it might improve cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $333,050 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148504-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908665 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancers that may benefit from enhanced NK cell activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to NK cell function or those not diagnosed with cancer may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of CD56, a protein found on human natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for fighting viral infections and monitoring tumors. The study aims to explore how CD56 interacts with other components of NK cells and influences their function, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Researchers will examine how modifications to CD56 affect its behavior and how it connects to the cell's internal structure. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to enhance the effectiveness of NK cell-based treatments for cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer immunotherapies that utilize natural killer cells more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding NK cell functions, but this specific focus on CD56 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mace, Emily Margaret — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mace, Emily Margaret
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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.