Understanding how temporary stress in cells can enhance immune responses against tumors
Official title: Dissecting the Mechanism for Transient ER Stress-Induced Anti-Tumor T Cell Response
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11049265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a little bit of stress in certain immune cells called T cells can help them fight cancer better, using a gas called carbon monoxide to boost their energy, which could lead to improved treatments for patients with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $626,534 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290201-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that could benefit from enhanced T cell responses, such as melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not respond to T cell therapies may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how temporary stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of T cells can improve their ability to fight tumors. By using a gas called carbon monoxide, the study aims to create moderate ER stress that enhances mitochondrial function in T cells, leading to better anti-tumor responses. The researchers will analyze how this process affects T cell metabolism and their overall effectiveness in targeting cancer cells. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in enhancing T cell functions through various stress mechanisms, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehrotra, Shikhar — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Mehrotra, Shikhar
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.