Understanding the Body's Natural Defenses in Cancer
Innate immune sensors, inflammasomes, and inflammasome-mediated processes in cancer
This project explores how our body's natural defense system, called innate immunity, plays a role in the development of colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189705 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have an innate immune system that usually protects us from infections and other harm. However, sometimes this system doesn't work correctly and can contribute to serious diseases like colorectal cancer. This project aims to uncover the specific ways these immune responses, particularly certain sensors and pathways, influence how colorectal cancer starts and grows. By understanding these fundamental processes, we hope to find new ways to target these pathways with medicines. This basic knowledge is crucial for developing future treatments that could help patients with colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with colorectal cancer or those at high risk due to inflammatory conditions like colitis may eventually benefit from the discoveries made in this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medications that target specific immune pathways to treat colorectal cancer and potentially other cancers.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon the lab's extensive track record of discoveries in innate immune sensors and their role in colitis-associated colorectal cancer, suggesting a foundation of prior success in related areas.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanneganti, Thirumala-Devi — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kanneganti, Thirumala-Devi
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.