Using L-fucose to boost long-lived helper T cells against melanoma
Title of Project * L-fucose-mediated enrichment of memory CD4+T cells and enhanced anti-melanoma immunity
Researchers are exploring whether a sugar called L-fucose can increase long-lived CD4+ helper T cells to strengthen immune attacks on melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11383400 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at whether adding L-fucose can increase the number and fitness of memory CD4+ helper T cells that support long-lasting anti-melanoma immunity. The team will perform laboratory experiments using human-derived immune cells and animal models to see if L-fucose enriches central memory CD4+ T cells and improves their tumor-fighting activity. They will compare L-fucose–treated cells to standard cells and measure effects on tumor control and immune memory. Findings could guide safer ways to expand memory T cells for adoptive cell transfer or combination immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, especially those receiving or considering immunotherapy or cell-transfer approaches, would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical work based on this research.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or those with severe immune suppression or unrelated health issues are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to therapies that produce more durable immune responses against melanoma by increasing long-lived helper T cells.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches like adoptive T cell transfer and therapies that boost T cell memory have helped some patients, but using L-fucose to enrich CD4+ memory cells is a newer, still-unproven strategy.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lau, Eric Kirk — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Lau, Eric Kirk
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.