# Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology

> **NIH NIH P30** · SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE · 2023 · $47,964

## Abstract

ABSTRACT – TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT AND CANCER IMMUNOLOGY PROGRAM
The overarching goal of the Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology (TMCI) Program is to define how
the dynamic interplay among cancer cells, immune cells, stromal components, and vasculature regulates the
growth and dissemination of malignancies, and in so doing, identify therapeutic approaches to modulate the
microenvironment and tumor growth. The Program consists of 13 faculty (one a new recruit) and five adjunct
members, and integrates members whose expertise includes cell migration/invasion, molecular structures, cell
signaling, cell metabolism, and angiogenesis, with members whose work encompasses therapeutic targeting of
innate and adaptive immune cells, and the influence of the microbiome on tumor- and immune cell-directed
cancer therapies. This complementary expertise is organized around three interacting themes: (1) Activating
Invasion and Metastasis; (2) Avoiding Immune Destruction, and (3) Tumor Promoting Inflammation. These
themes encompass many of the molecular processes that coordinate the formation of the microenvironment that
enables progressive tumor growth and metastasis. Members interact on several of levels, including monthly
faculty meetings, program-led seminars (48 in the last funding period), strategic meetings organized around new
collaborative opportunities (for example, the interface of the human microbiome and cancer), and collaborative
grants. Program funding is strong, with current total annual grant funding of $4.4M (direct costs) ($2.6M from
NCI, 58%). Members currently lead 28 grants including 15 R01s (nine from NCI), and lead or participate in three
P01s (two from NCI), and multiple other grants. Over the last funding period, members have participated in 34
(32%) collaborative grants. Our productivity is reflected in 224 cancer-relevant publications in the last funding
period, of which 31% were collaborative (19% intra- and 12% inter-programmatic). In 2018, we published 42
cancer-relevant publications, of which 21% were intra- and 5% inter-programmatic. TMCI members have
pioneered novel approaches to interrogate the fundamental properties of tumor cells and other cell types within
tumors, and are developing immune cell- and tumor-targeted therapies. Members are participating in
translational initiatives through the Oncology Disease Teams, C3 Cancer Center Council, and the San Diego
Center for Precision Immunotherapy, which support collaborations with local oncologists to enable large
collaborative grants applications. In recognition of the role of the immune system in combatting cancer, a key
goal of the Program is to build and further strengthen expertise in cancer immunology by hiring at least two
additional faculty, including one with expertise in vaccinology. Key scientific goals are to extend the use of
infection models to inform studies to harness the immune system for immunotherapy and cancer vaccines as
well as to integrate single-cell ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10686170
- **Project number:** 5P30CA030199-42
- **Recipient organization:** SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Linda Mac Pherson Bradley
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $47,964
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1997-05-01 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10686170

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10686170, Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunology (5P30CA030199-42). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10686170. Licensed CC0.

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