Investigating how tumor-derived exosomes affect immune response in cancer
The Adenosinergic Pathway in Tumor-derived Exosomes
This study is looking at tiny particles released by melanoma tumor cells to see how they affect the immune system's ability to fight cancer, especially focusing on a molecule called adenosine that can weaken immune responses, and it’s aimed at helping patients understand how these findings might lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how small vesicles released by tumor cells, known as tumor-derived exosomes (TEX), influence the immune system's ability to fight cancer. By analyzing these exosomes from patients with melanoma, the study aims to uncover how they carry adenosine, a molecule that can suppress immune responses. The researchers will compare the activity of the adenosinergic pathway in TEX versus exosomes from non-tumor cells to determine their role in promoting tumor growth and evading immune detection. This work utilizes advanced techniques to measure the biochemical pathways involved in adenosine production, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who are willing to provide plasma samples for analysis.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with melanoma may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing anti-cancer therapies by targeting the immunosuppressive effects of tumor-derived exosomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting immune checkpoints, like adenosine pathways, can improve cancer treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach may also yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whiteside, Theresa L. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Whiteside, Theresa L.
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.