Investigating how T cells move in the skin and their role in vitiligo and melanoma
Official title: Exploratory Study of T Cell Skin Trafficking and the Role of NKG2D Signaling; Implications in Vitiligo and Melanoma
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10608358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signal called NKG2D helps T cells move around in the body, especially in skin conditions like vitiligo and melanoma, to find better ways to treat people dealing with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $407,770 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR081633-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10608358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with vitiligo or melanoma who are interested in new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other skin conditions unrelated to T cell migration or those not diagnosed with vitiligo or melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind T cell migration, particularly focusing on the role of NKG2D signaling in skin conditions like vitiligo and melanoma. By studying both human and mouse models, the researchers aim to understand how NKG2D influences the movement of CD8 T cells and their expression of CCR4, a protein important for cell trafficking. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for patients suffering from these skin conditions by enhancing our understanding of immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with vitiligo and melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding T cell behavior in other contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guevara-Patino, Jose Alejandro — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Guevara-Patino, Jose Alejandro
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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.