Investigating how T-cell leukemia cells invade the central nervous system
Official title: Role of CXCR3-CXCL10 signaling in T-ALL CNS disease
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11061106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $449,218 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282701-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matlawska-Wasowska, Ksenia — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Matlawska-Wasowska, Ksenia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
IOP and CSF Pressure in Glaucoma Risk
This grant studies how eye pressure and cerebrospinal fluid pressure together influence glaucoma risk and vision loss.
-
Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Global bromocriptine trial for postpartum cardiomyopathy
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
-
Global Bromocriptine Add-on for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding the dopamine agonist bromocriptine to standard heart failure care helps postpartum women with a specific heart condition.
-
Global Bromocriptine Trial for Postpartum Heart Failure (GLOBal PPCM)
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart-failure care helps women with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
-
Bromocriptine as add-on therapy for postpartum cardiomyopathy across multiple sites
A large international study will test whether adding bromocriptine to standard heart failure treatment helps new mothers with postpartum cardiomyopathy.
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.