# Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses

> **NIH NIH K99** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2024 · $138,240

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Research: Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality in the world, with estimates as high as 1.9 million
new diagnoses and 0.6 million deaths in the United States last year. Trillions of normally beneficial microbes,
termed the microbiota, continuously colonize the mammalian intestine and emerging evidence indicates key
roles for these microbes in impacting cancer. This includes both promoting tumor growth and progression, but
also in supporting response to immunotherapies, raising the exciting possibility to manipulate microbiota to
combat cancer, however the mechanisms by which microbiota influence cancer progression and
immunotherapies remain poorly understood. Based on my published and new preliminary data, I hypothesize
that host-microbiota interactions (i) promote tumor growth by limiting metabolites that provoke anti-tumor
immunity, and (ii) shape systemic anti-tumor immunity and the outcome of immunotherapy by antigen-specific
responses to gut microbiota via crosstalk of RORgt+ lymphocytes. These studies will define two novel pathways
by which microbiota interacts with mammalian hosts to impact tumor growth, progression, and immunotherapy
response, thus provoking novel opportunities for intervention.
Career goals: My overarching goal is to become an independent investigator at an academic institution where
I investigate the mechanisms by which host-microbe interactions modulate anti-tumor immunity and
immunotherapy response for the treatment of cancer. Further, I aspire to become an inspirational and
productive mentor as these are essential aspects of being an independent investigator.
Career Development Plan: To become a successful independent investigator, I will further develop a various
research, professional, and personal skills. These will include further acquiring expertise in cancer biology and
microbiology techniques, as well as fostering collaborations and developing skills in writing, communicating,
teaching, mentoring and laboratory management. My host laboratory and Weill Cornell Medicine provide an
outstanding academic environment where trainees can fulfil these criteria by fostering scientific collaboration
and enrolling in courses to develop skills in specialist scientific areas, personal development, and laboratory
management. The mentorship I will receive will be of the highest standard. Further, in addition to my mentor
and co-mentor, I have support from a team of independent investigators with extensive expertise in areas that
will greatly facilitate the completion of experiments proposed and my career transition into independence.
Career Development Environment: I will perform the K99 phase in the laboratory of Dr. Gregory Sonnenberg
at Weill Cornell Medicine, which provides an outstanding environment in terms of the resources and facilities
available. Weill Cornell Medicine is an ideal environment to develop during the K99 phase as I progress to
become a successful independent investigat...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10865828
- **Project number:** 1K99CA290052-01
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Mengze Lyu
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $138,240
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10865828

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10865828, Defining novel mechanisms of microbiota in regulating anti-tumor responses (1K99CA290052-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10865828. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*