Understanding how certain immune cells suppress cancer treatment effectiveness
Official title: Immunosuppressive mechanisms of intratumoral regulatory T cells
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11133560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $618,928 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292818-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dupage, Michel — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Dupage, Michel
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.