# Immunology and Cancer

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2024 · $46,927

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - IMMUNOLOGY AND CANCER (IC)
Members of the Immunology and Cancer (IC) Program of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive
Cancer Center (UCCCC) aim to understand the interface between the host immune system and a malignant
tumor, and to use this knowledge to develop effective immunotherapies for the treatment of a broad array
of cancer types. In addressing our 3 specific aims, program members are making fundamental advances in
the understanding of anti-tumor immunity and immune regulation, bringing new concepts into preclinical
models of anti-tumor immunity, translating fundamental discoveries into clinical applications, and testing
new hypotheses generated from human studies back in murine models. Aim 1 is to elucidate fundamental
immunology concepts that have relevance for the cancer context. In this regard, we have made key
advances regarding the nature of the endogenous T cell response to cancer, the role of the microbiota in
impacting myeloproliferative disease, and novel mechanisms of antigen presentation that direct the priming
of tumor-specific T cells. Aim 2 is to define mechanisms impacting anti-tumor immunity and evaluate novel
treatment strategies in preclinical settings. Here, program members have engineered novel approaches to
reduce the toxicity of checkpoint blockade antibodies, enhance the efficacy of CAR-T-based cellular
therapies, implement potent adjuvant combinations for cancer vaccines, and augment the efficacy of
immunotherapy via manipulation of the microbiota. Aim 3 is to translate fundamental research discoveries
into clinical applications and take new clinical observations back into the laboratory. The program has
developed key collaborations with clinical researchers from the Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics
Program and industry partners to implement numerous interventional immunotherapy clinical trials. Program
current efforts are aided by extensive biobanking, recent expansion of our cGMP facility to include a vector
production lab, and expansion of infrastructure for executing cell therapy studies using T cell products
generated in-house. The IC Program adds considerable value to the UCCCC by fostering an environment
that promotes collaboration, focuses basic research on important cancer-relevant questions, and promotes
the bidirectional transfer of ideas between the laboratory and the clinic. Program leaders have been pivotal
in: (1) the enhancement of tumor immunology research across the UCCCC; (2) the recruitment of senior
and junior immunology investigators to the program; (3) the promotion of collaboration among
immunologists, clinicians, and basic scientists at UCCCC through intra- and inter-programmatic activities;
and (4) the development of the solid tumor cellular therapy program in collaboration with CET leaders in the
Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy. In addition, IC faculty play critical roles in advancing local diversity
initiatives, participating in community ed...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10845096
- **Project number:** 2P30CA014599-48
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS F GAJEWSKI
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $46,927
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-09-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10845096

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10845096, Immunology and Cancer (2P30CA014599-48). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10845096. Licensed CC0.

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