Understanding how Tspan5 helps the immune system fight cancer and viruses
Role of Tspan5 in MHC I antigen presentation and cancer immune evasion
This work explores how a protein called Tspan5 helps our immune cells recognize and eliminate cancer and virus-infected cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system has special cells, called CD8 T cells, that are crucial for finding and destroying cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. These T cells identify abnormal cells by recognizing specific markers, called MHC I molecules, on their surface. However, cancers and viruses can hide from the immune system by making it harder for T cells to see these markers. This project aims to understand how a newly discovered protein, Tspan5, helps organize these MHC I markers to make them more visible to T cells, potentially boosting the immune response against disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on mechanisms relevant to individuals with cancer or chronic viral infections.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by cancer or viral infections, or those with severely compromised immune systems, may not directly benefit from this specific research direction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to enhance the immune system's ability to detect and fight cancers and viral infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of Tspan5 in this specific context is a new discovery, other studies have shown success in manipulating immune recognition pathways to fight disease.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rock, Kenneth L — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Rock, Kenneth L
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.