Understanding how tumors resist anti-PD-1 immunotherapy
Investigating the PD-L1:NLRP3 signaling axis as a tumor intrinsic mechanism of adaptive resistance to anti-PD-1 antibody immunotherapy
This study is looking into why some tumors stop responding to a promising cancer treatment called anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, focusing on certain immune cells that might be causing this resistance, with the hope of making the treatment work better for patients with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893597 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which tumors develop resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, a treatment that has shown promise in cancer care. By studying pre-clinical models and clinical samples from melanoma patients, the research focuses on the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in this resistance. The team aims to uncover the molecular pathways involved, particularly how certain signaling axes and heat shock proteins contribute to the accumulation of these suppressive cells in tumors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy and improve patient selection for treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those with melanoma, who are undergoing or considering anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the mechanisms being studied or those not receiving anti-PD-1 therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy strategies for cancer patients, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding tumor resistance mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on the PD-L1:NLRP3 signaling axis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanks, Brent Allen — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Hanks, Brent Allen
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.