Why some cancer-fighting CD8 T cells stop working in tumors
TOX-driven CD8 T cell differentiation and dysfunction in tumors
This project will learn how a protein called TOX causes CD8 T cells inside tumors to become 'exhausted' so treatments might work better for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the protein TOX controls the behavior of CD8 T cells that recognize tumors and why these T cells become dysfunctional. They will follow T cells over time in genetically engineered mouse cancer models and analyze cells from human tumors to compare how different strengths and durations of tumor signals influence TOX. The team will use gene-expression and epigenetic analyses to map the programs TOX turns on and off, and will test ways to block TOX or its downstream targets to try to restore T-cell activity. The goal is to identify molecular targets that could improve cancer immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with solid tumors who can provide tumor tissue or blood samples and who are treated at or can travel to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Not a fit: People without solid tumors, those unable to provide tumor or blood samples, or those seeking immediate changes to their treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to revive exhausted tumor T cells and make immunotherapy more effective for cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked TOX to T-cell dysfunction in tumors, but turning that knowledge into patient treatments is still new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schietinger, Andrea — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Schietinger, Andrea
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.