Understanding how tumor environments affect T cell behavior
Official title: Delineating the mechanisms by which tumor immunity multicellular networks shape T cell state
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11167327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the area around tumors affects T cells, which are important for fighting cancer, to help find new ways to boost their ability to attack colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $226,554 |
| NIH project number | 7K08CA273547-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who have active tumor sites.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not diagnosed with colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the environment surrounding tumors influences T cells, which are crucial for the body's immune response against cancer. By examining the organization and interactions of various cells within tumor tissues, the study aims to uncover how these multicellular networks affect T cell activity. The research will utilize advanced techniques to map these cellular interactions and identify factors that shape the behavior of specific T cells in colorectal cancer. The ultimate goal is to find new strategies for enhancing the anti-tumor response of T cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tumor microenvironments and their impact on immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jonathan Howard — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jonathan Howard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High-intensity exercise as a treatment for Parkinson's disease
This study is looking at whether doing high-intensity endurance exercise can help people who have just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease feel better and slow down their symptoms, especially since current medications don't always do the trick.
-
Software to quickly assess organ dose after radionuclide exposure
This study is creating a helpful software tool that quickly calculates how much radiation your organs absorb after you've taken certain radioactive substances, so you can get better care and treatment based on your individual needs.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for better ways to improve your care and treatment, so you can get more personalized options that work best for you.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for new ways to improve care and treatment for patients, and if you join, you might help test some exciting new methods that could lead to better health for everyone.
-
Investigating innovative approaches to improve health outcomes.
This study is looking for ways to improve care and treatment for patients like you, by trying out new methods that could help manage your health better.
-
Investigating core biological processes
This study is all about exploring important biological processes that affect our health, and it invites patients to help discover new ways to improve care for everyone.
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.