Understanding how to improve T cell responses in colon cancer
Official title: Mechanisms and strategies to rescue suboptimal T cell priming in colon cancer
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10913632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some immune cells don’t work well with colon cancer treatments and aims to find ways to make them more effective, which could help improve treatment options for patients with colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,042 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA279501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with microsatellite stable colon cancer who have not responded to existing immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with microsatellite unstable colon cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with colon cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind why some T cells do not respond effectively to treatments for colon cancer. It focuses on the role of T cell priming and how it can be improved to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, particularly in cases of microsatellite stable colon cancer. By using advanced mouse models and analyzing the expression of neoantigens, the study aims to identify strategies that could lead to better patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for colon cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with colon cancer, particularly those whose tumors are currently resistant to treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in improving T cell responses through various immunotherapy strategies, but this specific approach focusing on T cell priming in colon cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Westcott, Peter Maxwell Kienitz — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Westcott, Peter Maxwell Kienitz
Related research
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How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
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Immune regulation in colon cancer and its spread to lymph nodes and liver
A patient-friendly look at how immune system circuits in colorectal cancer and its metastases may influence treatment responses and outcomes.
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Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.