Understanding how VISTA affects triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic principles of VISTA+ triple-negative breast cancers
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11056845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific immune receptor called VISTA affects triple-negative breast cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to make treatments work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,899 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290297-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors overexpress the VISTA receptor.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancers or those without VISTA overexpression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the immune receptor VISTA in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of cancer. The study aims to uncover how VISTA influences the behavior of cancer cells and their interaction with the immune system. By analyzing the molecular mechanisms behind VISTA's function, researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar immune receptors, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gruber, Joshua James — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gruber, Joshua James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Developing targeted therapies for Ewing sarcoma
This study is working on new treatments for Ewing sarcoma, a cancer that mainly affects kids and teens, by finding ways to target a specific protein that helps the cancer grow, so that we can offer safer and better options for those fighting this disease.
-
Neural roots of how autistic adults understand word meaning
A study to understand how adults with autism process word meanings in the brain, aiming to improve language support.
-
A new approach to healing NF1-related tibia fractures in children
This grant aims to understand why some NF1-related leg fractures in kids don’t heal well and to develop better treatments to help them recover without complications.
-
Multi-center study on how ventilation during CPR relates to cardiac arrest outcomes
A large, real-world study will look at how ventilation during CPR affects survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in adults.
-
National Spina Bifida Patient Registry across the U.S.
A national registry collects health information from people with spina bifida to help doctors and families get better, more consistent care.
-
MONA-LISA: Understanding Why Autoimmune Signals Turn into Lupus Over Time
A study using data and samples from people with early autoimmune signs to understand why some develop full-blown lupus and others do not.
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.