How low oxygen levels affect immune cells in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Role of hypoxia in CD8+ T cell exclusion and suppression in pancreatic cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10886509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect immune cells that help fight tumors, with the goal of finding better ways to boost immunotherapy treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,664 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA281079-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how low oxygen levels in pancreatic cancer affect the behavior of immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for fighting tumors. The study aims to understand the interactions between these immune cells and the surrounding tumor environment, including macrophages and fibroblasts, which may suppress the immune response. By examining how hypoxia influences these interactions, the research seeks to uncover new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially enhancing their treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of hypoxia in cancer has been studied, this specific focus on CD8+ T cell interactions in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mello, Ashley — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mello, Ashley
Related research
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How low oxygen levels affect the tumor environment in pancreatic cancer
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This study is testing a new way to deliver a cancer-fighting drug specifically for people with pancreatic cancer, aiming to make the treatment more effective and less harmful by using a special carrier that releases the medicine right where it's needed in the tumor.
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How low oxygen levels affect fibroblast behavior in pancreatic cancer
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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.