Investigating how a neurotransmitter affects immune responses in oral cancer
Official title: Role of autocrine cholinergic signaling in maintaining memory T cell responses in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10987548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $169,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE033467-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have oral squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 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
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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.