Understanding how certain immune cells suppress cancer treatment effectiveness

Immunosuppressive mechanisms of intratumoral regulatory T cells

NIH-funded research University of California Berkeley · NIH-11133560

This study is looking at how certain immune cells called regulatory T cells can stop the body from fighting cancer, and it aims to find ways to target these cells in tumors to make cancer treatments work better for patients without causing unwanted side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11133560 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in cancer, particularly how they suppress the immune response against tumors. By focusing on the mechanisms of Tregs within tumors, the study aims to determine if selectively targeting these cells can enhance anti-cancer therapies without causing harmful autoimmune effects. The researchers will explore various methods to block Treg function specifically in tumors, which could lead to improved outcomes for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The approach includes analyzing how Tregs affect the ability of other immune cells to respond to cancer effectively.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that are known to be influenced by regulatory T cells and who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not involve significant regulatory T cell activity or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting Tregs for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in immunotherapy.

Where this research is happening

Berkeley, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanti-cancer therapyanticancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.