Understanding how tumors suppress the immune system in aggressive breast cancer.
Official title: Dissecting Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor-Induced Myeloid-Mediated Immune Suppression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10976123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how triple-negative breast cancer affects the immune system, especially how the cancer cells interact with certain immune cells, to find new ways to improve treatments for patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $571,496 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA287731-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer subtypes or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) affects the immune system, particularly focusing on how tumor cells influence myeloid-derived suppressor cells and other immune cells. The study utilizes advanced techniques such as mass cytometry to analyze immune cell interactions and the role of specific genes in tumor progression. By examining mouse models, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in TNBC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using immunotherapy for breast cancer, but this specific approach focusing on the TAZ gene in TNBC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianmin — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianmin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
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A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.