Investigating how T-cell leukemia cells invade the central nervous system

Role of CXCR3-CXCL10 signaling in T-ALL CNS disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-11061106

This study is looking at how T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells move into the brain and spinal cord, which can make things worse for patients, and it hopes to find new ways to stop this from happening.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11061106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the meninges, which is a significant factor in poor patient prognosis. The study examines the CXCR3-CXCL10 signaling pathway, which may facilitate the movement of these leukemic cells into the CNS. By utilizing advanced 3D cell culture techniques, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this infiltration and how it relates to inflammation. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat CNS involvement in T-ALL.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that prevent T-ALL cells from invading the CNS, potentially enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on the CXCR3-CXCL10 pathway in T-ALL is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in understanding leukemic cell behavior in other contexts.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.