Understanding how immune evasion occurs in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Official title: VISTA-Mediated Immune Evasion in High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11069224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called VISTA helps high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) avoid being attacked by the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $34,859 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA298388-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome who may benefit from novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome or those without any form of myelodysplastic syndrome may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune mechanisms that allow high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) to evade the body's immune response. It focuses on the role of a specific protein called VISTA, which suppresses T cell activation and contributes to immune suppression in HR-MDS. By studying the immune profiles of patients with HR-MDS, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. The approach includes analyzing immune cell populations and their interactions in the context of HR-MDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, potentially enhancing their immune response against the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting immune checkpoints can be effective in other hematologic malignancies, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Raymond J — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Raymond J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting diverse stem cells in myelodysplastic syndrome to eradicate the disease
Aimed at identifying weaknesses in the diverse stem cell populations of myelodysplastic syndrome so future treatments can wipe out the root cause of the disease.
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New treatment approach for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
This project aims to develop a new antibody-based therapy to help people with MDS or AML, especially older or frail patients who cannot tolerate high-dose chemotherapy.
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Targeting metabolic weak spots in myelodysplastic syndrome stem cells
The team is trying metabolism-based treatments to kill the stem cells that drive high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
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Investigating the role of PI3 kinase in Myelodysplastic Syndrome
This study is looking at how certain changes in genes might affect blood cell production in older adults with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and it hopes to find new ways to help improve treatment for people with this condition.
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Identifying harmful and harmless genetic variations in blood cancer predisposition genes
This study is looking at how certain changes in a gene called DDX41 might affect the chances of developing blood disorders like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), so that doctors can provide better advice and support for patients at risk.
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Investigating CCRL2's role in myelodysplastic syndrome
This study is looking at how a specific gene called CCRL2 affects the growth of harmful cells in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), especially in men, to find new ways to improve treatment for people with this blood disorder.
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.