Waking up tired T cells to help the immune system fight cancer
Targeting T Cell Senescence and Dysfunction for Anti-tumor Immunity
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11072995
This project looks for ways to restore tired or dysfunctional T cells so the immune system can better attack tumors in people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11072995 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying how regulatory T cells force other T cells into a tired, senescent state that weakens anti-cancer immunity. They analyze immune cells from people and use lab models to map changes in energy sensing (AMPK), lipid metabolism, ATM DNA damage signaling, and MAPK pathways that drive this senescence. The team will test approaches to block those signals and revive T cell function in the lab and preclinical models. Successful methods could be combined with current immunotherapies to help more patients respond.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer—especially those whose tumors have not responded to checkpoint immunotherapy or who can donate tumor or blood samples—would be the best matches.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or those whose cancers do not involve T cell–driven immune responses are unlikely to directly benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase the number of cancer patients who respond to immunotherapy by restoring T cell function.
How similar studies have performed: Checkpoint blockade therapies help some patients (about 15–35%), but targeting T cell senescence is a newer, largely preclinical approach with promising early laboratory data.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PENG, GUANGYONG — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PENG, GUANGYONG
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.