Federal Grant Award Summary

Providence Health & Services - Oregon received a $437,113 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395), awarded June 8, 2026, with completion targeted for May 31, 2028. The research project investigates the origin and plasticity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in patients with mismatch repair proficient colorectal cancer (CRC), with particular focus on understanding how tumor-reactive conventional CD4+ T cells convert into immunosuppressive Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. The project builds on preliminary findings demonstrating shared T cell receptor (TCR) clonotypes between tumor-infiltrating CD4+ conventional T cells and Tregs, suggesting a common cellular origin.

The funded research employs advanced molecular and cellular techniques—including single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell TCR sequencing, and TOTALSEQ analysis—to characterize CD4+ T cell compartments in CRC tumors and identify soluble factors in the tumor microenvironment that promote Treg conversion. The two primary study objectives are to assess the conversion of tumor-reactive CD4+ conventional T cells into tumor-induced Tregs and to identify regulatory factors governing CD4+ T cell plasticity. The research outcomes will provide critical insights into tumor-infiltrating Treg origins and CD4 T cell plasticity mechanisms, potentially informing future immunotherapy strategies for colorectal cancer treatment.