Understanding how cells communicate in melanoma to improve cancer treatment
Systems analysis of cell-cell communication networks and immune activity in the melanoma tumor microenvironment
This study is looking at how cells in melanoma tumors talk to each other to find better ways to help cancer treatments work for patients who aren't responding well to current therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication networks between cells in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. By analyzing both mouse models and human patient samples, the study aims to identify the signals that differentiate between ineffective and effective immune responses against tumors. The researchers will use advanced single-cell analysis and computational methods to map these interactions, focusing on how tumor-associated macrophages influence immune suppression. The ultimate goal is to discover new therapeutic targets that can help patients who do not respond to current checkpoint inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include melanoma patients who have not responded to checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who have not undergone checkpoint inhibitor treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for melanoma patients who are currently unresponsive to existing therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cell communication in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller-Jensen, Kathryn — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Miller-Jensen, Kathryn
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.