How immune cells affect brain cancer spread
Official title: Regulatory T cell modulation of reactive astrogliosis in brain metastasis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11083689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the body, called regulatory T cells, affect the growth of cancer in the brain, and it aims to find new ways to help patients whose cancer has spread there.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA269249-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain metastasis from various cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with primary brain tumors or those without brain metastasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of regulatory T cells in the development of brain metastasis, which occurs when cancer spreads to the brain. The study focuses on how these immune cells interact with reactive astrogliosis, a process involving brain cells that can either hinder or promote tumor growth. Using advanced techniques like genetic modeling and single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers aim to understand how Treg cells influence the behavior of astrocytes in the brain during cancer progression. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with brain metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve outcomes for patients with brain metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of modulating Treg cells in brain metastasis is relatively novel, similar strategies in other cancer types have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bos, Paula Daniela — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Bos, Paula Daniela
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.