Using gut bacteria to enhance immune responses against tumors
Official title: Harnessing human gut-derived Bacteroides to drive systemic anti-tumor immunity
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10887142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gut bacteria, especially Bacteroides, can help boost the immune system to fight lung cancer, with the hope that this could lead to new treatments that use the bacteria already in your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $281,606 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA283272-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with lung cancer who are seeking new treatment options and have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who have already achieved long-term remission from lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific gut bacteria, particularly Bacteroides, can stimulate the immune system to fight tumors, especially in lung cancer. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this immune response, including where in the body the immune system is activated and how gut bacteria influence immune cells. By using a model that mimics gut colonization, researchers will explore the potential of these bacteria to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapies that harness the power of their own microbiota.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that significantly improve anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using gut microbiota to enhance immune responses, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Upadhyay, Rabi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Upadhyay, Rabi
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.