Understanding how genetics influence responses to cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Discovery of host genetic elements affecting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11048708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different genes in a person's body can affect how well cancer treatments called immune checkpoint inhibitors work, with the goal of finding out which patients might benefit the most from these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $754,511 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA288836-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are being considered for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those who are not eligible for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how variations in host genetics affect the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are treatments used in cancer therapy. By using a unique mouse model that allows researchers to control tumor genetics while varying the host's genetic background, the study aims to identify specific genetic factors that influence treatment outcomes. The approach involves mapping genetic traits associated with responses to anti-PD1 therapy, which could help predict which patients are more likely to benefit from these treatments. This research could lead to more personalized cancer therapies based on individual genetic profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for predicting patient responses to immunotherapy, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genetic factors can significantly influence responses to cancer treatments, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Edison Tak-Bun — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Liu, Edison Tak-Bun
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how immune checkpoint drugs can trigger inflammatory arthritis in cancer patients
This research looks at why some cancer patients develop inflammatory arthritis after PD-1 inhibitor therapy and what could be done to prevent it.
-
Gut bacteria that can make cancer immunotherapy less effective
This project will see if reducing chronic inflammation driven by certain gut bacteria can help immunotherapy work better for people whose cancers have stopped responding.
-
Decoding how NSCLC patients respond and react to immunotherapy through noninvasive blood tests and tumor samples
A study in people with non-small cell lung cancer will look at blood and tumor samples to understand why some patients benefit from immunotherapy and who might have serious side effects.
-
Understanding skin reactions from immune cancer drugs and how our body’s immune system reacts to them
This grant explores why some people develop severe skin reactions when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and aims to use patient data and tissue studies to improve care.
-
Targeting NNMT in the tumor environment to make immunotherapy work better
Aiming to boost cancer treatment by blocking NNMT in the tumor’s supportive tissue so immune therapies work more effectively.
-
Using JAK inhibitors to calm autoimmune damage from cancer immunotherapy
A multi-center, early-phase trial will test whether a JAK inhibitor can help people who develop diabetes caused by cancer immunotherapy.
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.