Regulatory T cells and astrocyte changes in brain metastasis
Official title: Regulatory T cell modulation of reactive astrogliosis in brain metastasis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11345285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how immune cells called regulatory T cells interact with brain-supporting cells to influence brain metastasis in cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA269249-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with brain metastasis or those at risk of brain metastasis may benefit from advances stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without brain metastasis or those not involved in translational follow-up may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use animal models, brain tissue cultures, and advanced cell analysis to explore how regulatory T cells affect reactive astrocytes during brain metastasis. They aim to understand whether these immune cells help or hinder tumor growth by changing the brain’s support cells, potentially revealing new treatment angles. The work combines genetic models, organotypic brain slices, and single-cell RNA sequencing to map how the brain environment evolves as metastases establish and progress. Findings could point to strategies that disrupt supportive brain environments and slow metastatic spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets to limit brain metastasis and improve therapies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in other models show regulatory T cells can influence brain inflammation and tumor progression, but this work explores their specific role in brain metastasis.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bos, Paula Daniela — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Bos, Paula Daniela
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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.