Using B cells to target cancer-specific sugars for better immune responses
Leveraging B cell specificities for tumor glycans to elicit potent anti-tumor immunity
This study is looking at how special immune cells called B cells can be trained to find and fight cancer cells by recognizing unique sugars on their surface, which could help improve cancer treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10861044 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how B cells, a type of immune cell, can be harnessed to recognize and attack cancer cells by targeting specific sugars found on their surface. The study focuses on tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), which are unique to cancer cells and can trigger immune responses. By understanding how these B cells respond to TACAs, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of anti-tumor immunity. The approach includes using mouse models to explore the mechanisms behind B cell activation and antibody production against these cancer-specific sugars.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with cancers that express tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not express tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using immune cells to target cancer-specific markers, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haas, Karen M — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Haas, Karen M
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.