Understanding how lung cancer cells show themselves to the immune system

Interrogating the relationship between translational dynamics and non-canonical antigen presentation in lung cancer

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11135376

This research explores new ways lung cancer cells signal to the body's immune cells, aiming to improve future cancer treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11135376 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our immune system's CD8+ T cells are crucial for fighting cancer by recognizing specific markers, called antigens, on cancer cells. Current immunotherapies often target 'neoantigens,' which are unique to a patient's tumor, but these can vary greatly and limit treatment options. This project looks for other important cancer markers, including those from hidden genetic instructions, to help the immune system better identify and attack lung cancer cells. By finding these new markers, we hope to develop more effective and widely applicable immunotherapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors may not respond well to existing immunotherapies that target common neoantigens.

Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct treatment or benefit from this basic research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms rather than immediate clinical application.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective immunotherapies for lung cancer, especially for patients who may not benefit from current treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While current immunotherapies targeting neoantigens have shown success, this approach explores novel, less understood sources of cancer antigens, representing a new direction.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.