Understanding how certain genes affect T cell growth in cancer treatment
Official title: Decoding the epigenetic landscape that delineates T cell homeostatic proliferation from uncontrolled growth”
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10871886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in genes affect T cells, which are important for fighting cancer, and it aims to find ways to make cancer treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $263,778 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA279926-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10871886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing or considering T cell-based immunotherapies for cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or are not receiving T cell-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the epigenetic changes that lead to T cell exhaustion, a major barrier in cancer immunotherapy. By focusing on specific genes like DNMT3A and TET2, the study aims to understand how these changes impact the ability of T cells to proliferate effectively. The approach involves analyzing how these genetic factors influence T cell behavior in the context of therapies such as CAR T cell treatment and PD-1 blockade. Patients may benefit from insights that could enhance the effectiveness of their cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer immunotherapy strategies that enhance T cell function and proliferation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell behavior through similar genetic investigations, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zebley, Caitlin — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zebley, Caitlin
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.