NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how tumor cells evade the immune system through specific pathways

Official title: Elucidating the role of tumor cell-intrinsic hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α pathway activation in tumor immune evasion

Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11087543 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain factors in tumor cells help them hide from the immune system, which could help us find better ways to make cancer treatments work more effectively for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project startJune 12, 2023
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$189,195
NIH project number5K08CA270394-03
Project IDNIH-11087543 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with immunotherapy but are not responding effectively.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers that do not involve immune checkpoint inhibitors or those who are not candidates for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain pathways within tumor cells, specifically the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α, contribute to the ability of tumors to evade the immune system. By examining the tumor microenvironment and its effects on T cell responses, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to resistance against immunotherapy treatments. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to improved strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies in cancer treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding tumor immune evasion, but the specific focus on HIF-1α and HIF-2α pathways in this context is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Trujillo, Jonathan a — University of Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Trujillo, Jonathan a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.