How immune cells in women might protect against nerve pain from chemotherapy
Novel expression of MHC class II on DRG neurons and its role in promoting antinociceptive CD4+ T cells in females during chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
This project explores how certain immune cells in female bodies may naturally reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy, aiming to find new ways to prevent this side effect.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chemotherapy can cause severe nerve pain, called peripheral neuropathy, which often limits how much treatment patients can receive. We've noticed that female mice seem to have more protective immune cells in their nerves compared to males, especially when they have normal estrogen levels. These immune cells, called CD4+ T cells, appear to lessen the severity of nerve pain after chemotherapy. Our goal is to understand how these specific immune cells work to protect nerves and reduce pain in females.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients, especially women, who experience or are at risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing or at risk for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new preventative treatments for chemotherapy-induced nerve pain, particularly for women undergoing cancer treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that T cells play a role in nerve pain, and our preliminary findings suggest a unique sex-specific mechanism involving CD4+ T cells.
Where this research is happening
Biddeford, United States
- University of New England — Biddeford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goode, Diana J — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Goode, Diana J
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 below.