Understanding how T cells become dysfunctional in tumors

TOX-driven CD8 T cell differentiation and dysfunction in tumors

NIH-funded research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11000310

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11000310 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with tumors that have CD8 T cells present but are experiencing tumor progression.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not have CD8 T cells or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, 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.
Conditions acute infectionanti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapycancer antigenscancer cell
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.