Understanding how low oxygen levels affect T cell behavior in cancer
Official title: Dissecting the role of hypoxia in T cell differentiation in cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10999469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in tumors affect the way immune cells called T cells work in cancer patients, especially those with solid tumors like melanoma, to find better ways to help these cells fight cancer and improve immunotherapy treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $614,462 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277473-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors, particularly melanoma, who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those not receiving immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of low oxygen levels in the tumor microenvironment on T cell differentiation and function in cancer patients. It focuses on how these conditions contribute to T cell exhaustion, a state where T cells lose their ability to effectively fight cancer. By examining the metabolic stress caused by hypoxia, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to resistance against immunotherapy treatments, particularly in patients with solid tumors like melanoma. The findings could help identify new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients, enhancing their ability to respond to therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in T cell function, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgoffe, Greg M. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Delgoffe, Greg M.
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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.