How melanocyte PD‑L1 changes UVB-triggered immune signals in melanoma
Melanocyte PDL1 control of UVB-induced IFN-I
This project looks at whether a protein called PD‑L1 on pigment cells changes how UVB light sparks immune signals that can help melanoma grow or resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134684 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse melanoma model where pigment cells either have or lack PD‑L1 and expose tumors to UVB light to see how that changes local and systemic interferon‑I signals. They profile the tumor microenvironment with single‑cell and bulk sequencing, spatial imaging, and protein assays to map immune cell interactions and inflammatory memory. Genetically engineered transplantable tumor lines and antibody tools will test the mechanisms they identify. Findings will be compared with human tumor and tissue samples to check relevance to people with melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma who are willing to provide tumor tissue, blood, or archival samples for research, or who might be candidates for future trials targeting PD‑L1/IFN‑I biology, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or whose cancers do not involve PD‑L1 or interferon‑I signaling are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent melanoma from progressing or to make immunotherapies work better by targeting PD‑L1 or interferon‑I pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show PD‑L1 and interferon‑I can shape tumor immunity, but applying these ideas specifically to melanocyte PD‑L1 and UV‑induced inflammatory memory is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Curiel, Tyler J. — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Curiel, Tyler 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.