Using viral mimicry to target estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Targeting ER+ Breast Cancer Through Induced Viral Mimicry
This study is exploring a new way to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by blocking a protein called FBXO44, which might help wake up certain parts of the cancer cells to boost your immune system's ability to fight the tumor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061322 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by targeting specific proteins that silence repetitive elements in the genome. The study focuses on the protein FBXO44, which plays a crucial role in maintaining this silencing in cancer cells. By inhibiting FBXO44, the researchers aim to reactivate certain viral elements within the cancer cells, triggering an immune response that could help fight the tumor. This approach leverages the body's natural defenses, potentially leading to more effective anti-cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who do not express estrogen receptors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the immune system's ability to combat breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is innovative and has not been widely tested in previous studies, making it a novel exploration in breast cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spruck, Charles H. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Spruck, Charles H.
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.