Why T cells get 'tired' inside tumors
Official title: Signal transduction and gene induction in lymphocytes
Funded at La Jolla Institute for Immunology · NIH-11170744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how immune T cells become 'exhausted' in tumors so treatments like CAR‑T and checkpoint blockers can work better for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | La Jolla Institute for Immunology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 1991 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,976,400 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AI040127-33 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be people with cancer—especially those with solid tumors—who are receiving or may receive immunotherapy and who can donate blood or tumor samples or join related clinical protocols.
✕Less likely to help
People without cancer or with conditions unrelated to T cell dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are examining the molecular signals that switch genes on and off in T cells, focusing on key proteins called NFAT and AP‑1. They combine studies in mouse models with analysis of human tumor and blood samples to see how these signals drive T cell exhaustion. By comparing the programs that drive strong anti‑tumor activity versus those that dampen responses, they aim to identify targets to keep T cells active and form long‑lasting tumor memory. The findings could point to new drugs or ways to improve existing immunotherapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make immunotherapies more effective against solid tumors and reduce cancer recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous immunotherapies like CAR‑T and PD‑1 blockade have helped many patients, and laboratory studies targeting exhaustion pathways show promise, but translating NFAT/AP‑1–based strategies into widely effective human treatments remains limited so far.
Where this research is happening
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La Jolla Institute for Immunology
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hogan, Patrick — La Jolla Institute for Immunology
- Study coordinator: Hogan, Patrick
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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.