Understanding how certain bacteria can boost the immune response against colorectal cancer
Official title: Identifying the mechanism of anti-colorectal immunity induced by mucoinvasive colonic bacteria
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10983345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in the gut, like Helicobacter hepaticus, might help boost the immune system's ability to fight colorectal cancer, with hopes that this could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,882 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269902-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those who do not have a significant immune response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific bacteria in enhancing the immune response to colorectal cancer (CRC). By using a mouse model, the study examines how the presence of Helicobacter hepaticus can reduce tumor size and improve immune cell organization around tumors. The research focuses on the interactions between the colonic microbiota and immune cells, particularly T and B cells, to uncover mechanisms that could lead to more effective immunotherapies for CRC. The findings aim to provide insights into how these bacteria can be harnessed to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy strategies that significantly improve treatment outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using microbiota to enhance anti-tumor immunity, suggesting that this approach could be a viable avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hand, Timothy Wesley — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hand, Timothy Wesley
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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.