Understanding how tumors interact with immune cells in their environment
Official title: Modeling and targeting tumor-immune signaling interactions in tumor microenvironment
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11030855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells and immune cells interact in the area around tumors to find new ways to improve cancer treatments, and it could help patients by discovering better options for fighting their cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $314,887 |
| NIH project number | 5R01LM013902-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who are undergoing treatment or are interested in novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not currently receiving cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between tumors and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are crucial for tumor growth and response to therapies. By utilizing advanced technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and artificial intelligence models, the study aims to identify new molecular targets that can disrupt harmful signaling between tumor and immune cells. The approach includes creating 3D models of tumor environments and using genetic techniques to better understand these interactions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies that improve cancer treatment outcomes by targeting tumor-immune interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar technologies to understand tumor-immune interactions, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Fuhai — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Li, Fuhai
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.