Investigating how a neurotransmitter affects immune responses in oral cancer
Role of autocrine cholinergic signaling in maintaining memory T cell responses in oral squamous cell carcinoma
['FUNDING_R03'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10987548
This study is looking at how a chemical in the body called acetylcholine helps certain immune cells fight oral cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to improve treatments for patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10987548 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, in the immune response of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). It focuses on how acetylcholine signaling from specific immune cells, known as CD8+ T cells, may help maintain their activity against tumors. By understanding this signaling pathway, the researchers aim to develop new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for OSCC, which currently has a low response rate. The study will involve laboratory experiments using animal models to investigate these mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have oral squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy treatments for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, potentially increasing survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of acetylcholine in OSCC is not well-studied, similar approaches in other cancers have shown promising results in enhancing immune responses.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WHITE, RUTH A — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: WHITE, RUTH A
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer