Why certain innate immune cells fail in acute myeloid leukemia

Dysregulation of Innate Lymphoid Immunity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11162256

This research looks at why people with acute myeloid leukemia have fewer and weaker natural killer (NK) cells and whether the leukemia redirects immune precursors toward helper cells that support tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11162256 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You may be asked to give blood or bone marrow samples so researchers can examine the development and function of natural killer (NK) cells and their precursors. The team will compare samples from people with AML to healthy controls and use lab tests to track how immune precursors choose between making protective NK cells or tumor-supporting helper ILCs. Scientists will apply cell analysis and molecular profiling to identify signals and pathways that are altered in AML, and they may run lab experiments to try to push precursors back toward producing functional NK cells. Results are intended to identify targets that could later be tested as ways to restore NK cell immunity in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with acute myeloid leukemia (newly diagnosed, relapsed, or post-transplant) who can provide blood or bone marrow samples would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without AML or those unable or unwilling to provide samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to restore NK cell development and improve immune control of AML.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies link reduced NK function to worse AML outcomes and early lab data show lineage skewing, but therapies that reliably restore NK development are not yet established.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.