Understanding how certain immune cells influence cancer growth through nerve interactions
Official title: Hijacking the Blimp1-Neuritin Axis to Promote Cancer by Follicular Regulatory T-cells
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10809622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell, called TFR cells, interacts with nerves in tumors and how this might help cancer grow, with the hope of finding new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $164,881 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA278853-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may have high levels of follicular regulatory T cells and are at risk for metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those whose cancers do not involve the immune system's interaction with the nervous system may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific type of immune cell, known as follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells, in promoting cancer by interacting with nerves in the tumor microenvironment. The study aims to explore how these immune cells produce a neurotrophic factor that may influence tumor growth and metastasis. By examining the relationship between TFR cells and nerve signaling, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression. This could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit cancer growth by targeting the interactions between immune cells and nerves.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the TFR cells' interaction with nerves is relatively novel, there is growing evidence that immune cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment can significantly influence cancer progression.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leavenworth, Jianmei Wu — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Leavenworth, Jianmei Wu
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.