Understanding how the stiffness of tissue affects immune cell behavior in cancer
Characterizing the effects of extracellular matrix viscoelasticity on dendritic cell activation
This study is looking at how the stiffness of the material around cancer cells affects the immune system's ability to fight cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to boost cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11056005 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the physical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly its stiffness, influence the activation of dendritic cells, which are crucial for the immune response against cancer. By creating a coculture system that mimics the tumor environment, researchers will explore how cancer cells and surrounding fibroblasts interact to promote tumor growth. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to improve anti-cancer therapies by modifying the ECM. If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in cancer treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer or squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that do not involve significant ECM remodeling may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments by enhancing the immune system's ability to fight tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that manipulating the ECM can influence cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jung, Wei-Hung — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Jung, Wei-Hung
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 below.