Understanding how certain cancer cells resist immunotherapy
Official title: Dissecting the Sox2-orchestrated transcriptional network that governs immune resistance in tumor initiating cells
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11004031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some patients with squamous cell carcinomas experience a return of their cancer after immunotherapy, focusing on certain stubborn cells that resist treatment, and it hopes to find new ways to make cancer therapies work better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $407,298 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285786-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinomas, particularly those who have undergone immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers other than squamous cell carcinomas or those who have not received immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind tumor relapse in patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) after immunotherapy. It focuses on a specific group of tumor-initiating cells that exhibit resistance to immune responses, which may be linked to their similarities with adult tissue stem cells. By studying the molecular network and the role of the transcription factor Sox2, the research aims to uncover new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies and better management of cancer recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients, reducing the likelihood of tumor relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune resistance in cancer, but this specific approach focusing on Sox2 and tumor-initiating cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miao, Yuxuan Phoenix — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Miao, Yuxuan Phoenix
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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.