Understanding how T cells become dysfunctional in tumors
Official title: TOX-driven CD8 T cell differentiation and dysfunction in tumors
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11000310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why certain immune cells, called CD8 T cells, stop working effectively in tumors and aims to find ways to help them respond better to cancer treatments, using both mouse models and human samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269733-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that have CD8 T cells present but are experiencing tumor progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that do not have CD8 T cells or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which CD8 T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer, become unresponsive within tumors. The team will explore how the strength of signals from tumor antigens affects T cell behavior and their ability to be reactivated by immunotherapy. Using advanced mouse models and human tumor samples, they will track T cell changes over time and identify key factors that drive T cell dysfunction. The goal is to uncover new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies that restore the function of T cells in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell dysfunction in tumors, making this approach a continuation of established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schietinger, Andrea — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Schietinger, Andrea
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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.