How neutrophils differ in cancer and how to reprogram them
A blueprint for neutrophil heterogeneity and reprogramming in cancer
The team will map how different neutrophils in tumors behave and work to reprogram the ones that help cancer so people with cancer could get more precise treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238580 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about a project that compares neutrophils from blood and from tumors to find which cells promote cancer and which protect against infection. The researchers will study gene activity and epigenetic changes that reprogram neutrophils inside the tumor environment. They will combine analysis of human tissue and blood samples with laboratory models to find molecular switches unique to tumor-promoting neutrophils. The aim is to identify targets that can be blocked or reprogrammed without harming infection-fighting neutrophils.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with solid tumors who can provide blood and/or tumor tissue samples and are willing to have samples used for research.
Not a fit: People with cancers that lack neutrophil involvement, those unable to provide tissue or blood samples, or those seeking immediate treatment benefit may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that block or reprogram cancer-promoting neutrophils while preserving the body's infection defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show neutrophils can promote tumor growth, but selectively reprogramming or targeting tumor-promoting neutrophils is a novel and early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Chengcheng — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jin, Chengcheng
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.