Immune-cell exosomes and microRNAs against childhood neuroblastoma
Clinical Implications of Natural Killer-derived exosomal miRNAs in Neuroblastoma
This project tests whether tiny particles called exosomes from activated natural killer immune cells, and the microRNAs they carry, can help kill neuroblastoma tumors in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305263 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect natural killer (NK) cells from donors and patients, activate them in the lab, and harvest the exosomes these cells release. They will study the microRNA content of those exosomes and test whether the exosomes can kill neuroblastoma cells in laboratory models. The team will also look for exosome-related signals in patient samples that might predict or improve response to chemoimmunotherapy. The work aims to turn these immune-cell exosomes into a potential therapy or biomarker to guide treatment for children with neuroblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with neuroblastoma, especially high-risk or relapsed cases, whose families are willing to provide blood or tumor samples or consider enrollment in future trials.
Not a fit: Children without neuroblastoma, patients with unrelated conditions, or those not eligible to provide samples would not directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immune-based treatments or biomarkers that improve survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies, including the investigators' prior work showing NK-derived exosomal microRNAs can kill neuroblastoma cells, are promising but the approach remains largely preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Children's Research Institute — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fabbri, Muller — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Fabbri, Muller
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.