Understanding PD-1 to improve cancer treatments
Novel mechanisms regulating PD-1 signaling and function
This research explores how a protein called PD-1 works in our immune cells to find new ways to make cancer immunotherapies more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11080762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer immunotherapies, which use the body's own immune system to fight cancer, have shown great promise, but they don't work for everyone. This project focuses on a key immune protein called PD-1, which acts like a 'brake' on T cells, preventing them from attacking cancer. While blocking PD-1 with antibodies has helped many, some patients don't respond or even experience side effects. Our team is using advanced methods to discover new proteins that interact with PD-1, like the kinase VRK2, to better understand how PD-1 signaling works. By uncovering these new pathways, we hope to develop more targeted and effective treatments for various cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with various cancers who may benefit from more effective and safer immunotherapy options.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing treatment or those whose cancer does not involve PD-1 pathways may not directly benefit from this specific research at its current stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and improved cancer immunotherapies that are more effective for a wider range of patients and have fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Existing immunotherapies that block PD-1 have already shown significant success in many cancer patients, and this work builds upon that knowledge to address current limitations.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mor, Adam — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mor, Adam
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.