Understanding Immune Cell Stress in Cancer
Immunometabolic Programs Controlled by ER Stress in Cancer
This research explores how stress inside immune cells within tumors affects their ability to fight cancer, aiming to make immunotherapies work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Tumors often create harsh environments that make it hard for our immune cells to effectively fight cancer. We've found that these tough conditions can disrupt how immune cells process proteins, leading to a type of 'ER stress' that actually helps the cancer grow and weakens the immune response. Our work focuses on a specific pathway, called IRE1a-XBP1s-Tagln2, which seems to control how immune cells use energy and function in cancer. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to boost the immune system's ability to attack tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with various cancers, particularly those who might benefit from or are currently undergoing immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by cancer or immune system dysfunction would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for improving existing cancer immunotherapies, making them more effective for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on recent discoveries about ER stress in immune cells, offering a novel approach to understanding and potentially targeting cancer immunity.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cubillos-Ruiz, Juan R — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Cubillos-Ruiz, Juan R
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.