Understanding how glioblastoma affects the immune system
Official title: Regulating the glioma immune microenvironment
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11059904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells in the brain interact with glioblastoma, a tough type of brain tumor, to find ways to boost the body's natural defenses against it, and it's for anyone affected by this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $548,730 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131474-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune microenvironment of glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain tumor. It focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, like T cells and macrophages, interact with glioma cells and how a specific chemokine, CXCL14, can promote an effective immune response against the tumor. By analyzing human brain tumor samples and using advanced animal models, the research aims to identify ways to enhance anti-tumor immunity and overcome the tumor's immunosuppressive effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy strategies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immunotherapy to treat glioblastoma, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Phillips, Joanna — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Phillips, Joanna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
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Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
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How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
-
Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
-
Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.