Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Chicago received a $602,641 Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the Cancer Biology Research program (CFDA 93.396) on June 24, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. This research project investigates immune checkpoint receptor inhibitors (CPIs) and their associated immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), which affect up to 80% of CPI-treated cancer patients. The project will develop innovative mouse models of IRAEs and conduct comparative analyses between mouse models and human IRAE specimens to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms by which CPIs cause autoimmune-like side effects, particularly cutaneous lichenoid rashes and colitis. The research aims to advance understanding of how CPIs break T cell tolerance toward antigens in healthy organs and unleash cytotoxic T cell responses.

The deliverables include experimental models of CPIs-induced IRAEs and mechanistic data derived from comparative analyses that will inform development of IRAE-specific therapeutics. These outputs are intended to support clinical approaches that prevent or limit anti-tissue effects of CPIs without compromising their anti-cancer efficacy, thereby improving management and clinical outcomes for patients experiencing these debilitating side effects. The research aligns with the NCI's Cancer Biology Research program objectives to provide fundamental information on cancer mechanisms with expectation of improved prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment methods.