NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how PD-1 signaling affects T cells in cancer treatment

Official title: Detection of PD-1 inhibitory signaling and its molecular relays in T cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy

Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11003708 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called PD-1 affects T cells, which are important for fighting cancer, and it aims to find ways to boost these cells' ability to work better against tumors in cancer patients.

More Immunotherapy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$709,419
NIH project number5R01CA257672-03
Project IDNIH-11003708 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with PD-1 blocking agents.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers that do not involve PD-1 signaling or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of PD-1 signaling in T cells and how it impacts their ability to fight cancer. By examining the interactions between PD-1 and its ligands in both tumor environments and healthy individuals, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that inhibit T cell activation. The researchers have developed a specific antibody to detect a phosphorylated form of PD-1, which is crucial for understanding its inhibitory effects. This work could lead to improved strategies for enhancing anti-tumor immunity in cancer patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that enhance the body's ability to fight tumors.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with PD-1 blockade in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Boussiotis, Vassiliki a — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Boussiotis, Vassiliki a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.