NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how VPS72 affects immune cells in tumors

Official title: VPS72 controls Treg cell stability and adaptation to tumor microenvironment

Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10931580 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a protein called VPS72 to see how it affects certain immune cells that help control the body's response to tumors, and by understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to improve cancer treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project startSeptember 19, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$602,346
NIH project number5R01CA284740-02
Project IDNIH-10931580 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit immune evasion, particularly those where Treg activity is suspected to play a role.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not involve Treg interactions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of VPS72, a protein that influences the behavior of regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover how VPS72 contributes to Treg stability and function, which are crucial for the immune system's ability to respond to tumors. The approach involves advanced techniques to analyze gene expression and chromatin remodeling, providing insights into the mechanisms that allow tumors to evade immune detection. Patients may benefit from a deeper understanding of Treg behavior in cancer, potentially leading to improved therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing the immune response against tumors, improving cancer treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding Treg dynamics in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
    East Lansing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mi, Qing-Sheng — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Mi, Qing-Sheng

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.