Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Project summary Tumors employ a number of mechanisms to promote immune escape, including the infiltration of different immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment such as T-regulatory cells (Treg). However, the specific signals within tumor cells that regulate the recruitment of Tregs, giving rise to tumor-induced immunosuppression, remain elusive. Based on our new preliminary data, we hypothesize that WEE1, an important regulator for cell cycle checkpoints, maintains an immunosuppressive and pro- tumorigenic microenvironment, and suppressing WEE1 activity, including via a clinically relevant WEE1 inhibitor, may be therapeutically beneficial by boosting immune-mediated tumor clearance. This proposal seeks to characterize the novel regulatory perspectives of WEE1-mediated crosstalk between tumor cells and host immune cells that should significantly forward the field. Specifically, this project is searching for the molecular mechanisms of WEE1-mediated Treg regulation and development of new effective combinatorial strategies. Our work will thus identify an unappreciated role of WEE1 inhibition in reversing tumor-induced immune suppression.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
