Understanding how the immune system controls cancer cell selection in the colon
Official title: Immune control of oncogene selection in preneoplastic colon
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10929458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system can help stop certain mutated cells in the colon, which can lead to cancer, especially in older women, and it hopes to find new ways to boost our body's defenses against these harmful cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,314 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA277003-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 65 and older who are at risk for developing colon cancer, particularly those with the BRAFV600E mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have the BRAFV600E mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system can prevent the selection of mutated stem cells in the colon that may lead to cancer. It focuses on a specific mutation, BRAFV600E, which is common in colon cancers affecting older women. By using genetically modified mice, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which regulatory T cells recognize and suppress these mutated cells. The findings could pave the way for new therapies aimed at preventing colon cancer by enhancing immune surveillance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immune-based therapies that prevent the development of colon cancer in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune mechanisms in cancer prevention, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mirza, Haris — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mirza, Haris
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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.