Investigating T cells that target specific cancer proteins in skin cancer
Official title: Neoantigen-specific T cells in a novel cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma model
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10899423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help fight a common skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), using a mouse model to learn how to make treatments that boost the immune system even better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA257622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who may benefit from enhanced immune therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those who do not have cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific T cells, which are part of the immune system, can help control the growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common type of skin cancer. The researchers have developed a new model of cSCC in mice to study the role of CD4 and CD8 T cells in fighting this cancer. By examining how these T cells respond to cancer-specific proteins, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system attack tumors. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to enhance their immune response against cSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by enhancing the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using T cell responses to improve cancer treatments, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Anngela Christina — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Adams, Anngela Christina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
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This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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.