Understanding Immune System Controls in Cancer and Autoimmune Conditions
Synergies among inhibitory receptors in tolerance and disease
This research explores how two natural 'brakes' in our immune system, called PD1 and LAG3, work together to fight cancer and prevent autoimmune conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106585 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our immune system has natural 'brakes' that help keep it from overreacting and causing autoimmune diseases, but these same brakes can also stop it from effectively fighting off cancer and chronic infections. This project looks closely at two of these important brakes, PD1 and LAG3, to understand how they work together. We want to learn how these brakes affect different types of immune cells, like CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for immune responses. By understanding this teamwork, we hope to find new ways to either release the brakes to fight cancer or apply them more effectively to manage autoimmune conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical applications would likely target individuals with advanced cancers or specific autoimmune conditions.
Not a fit: Patients without advanced cancer or autoimmune diseases, or those for whom immune-modulating therapies are not appropriate, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for advanced cancers and autoimmune diseases by fine-tuning the body's immune response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in mice have shown promising results with blocking both PD1 and LAG3, leading to improved immune responses against tumors and chronic infections.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vignali, Dario Aa — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vignali, Dario Aa
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.