Understanding the cGAS-STING System in Cancer
Regulation of immunity by the cGAS-STING pathway
This work explores how a natural defense system called cGAS-STING works in the body and how it affects inflammation within tumors, aiming to find better ways to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138624 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a natural defense system called cGAS-STING that detects DNA and triggers an immune response, which can be important for fighting infections and cancer. This project aims to understand exactly how this cGAS-STING system recognizes DNA and how its different signals contribute to inflammation inside tumors. We want to clarify whether this system helps the body fight cancer or, in some cases, might accidentally help tumors grow. By understanding these complex interactions, we hope to find new ways to use this pathway to improve cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients with various types of cancer by improving our understanding of immune responses.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer or those whose specific cancer type does not involve the cGAS-STING pathway may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for boosting the body's immune response against cancer or for developing more effective cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: The cGAS-STING pathway is a well-known area of cancer research, with many ongoing efforts to target it, suggesting a strong foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kagan, Jonathan C — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kagan, Jonathan C
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.