Understanding how IL-15 affects T-cell lymphoma in the skin

The Role of IL-15 in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Progression

NIH-funded research Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11138570

This research explores how a specific signal, called IL-15, helps T-cell lymphoma cells move to and grow in the skin, aiming to find new ways to help patients with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionThomas Jefferson University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11138570 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a skin cancer where T-cells gather in the skin, causing difficult-to-treat lesions and impacting quality of life. We want to understand why these cancer cells prefer the skin and how they progress there. Our work focuses on a signal called interleukin-15 (IL-15), which we've found to be elevated in patients and seems to drive the cancer cells to the skin. By understanding this process, we hope to uncover new ways to stop the disease from spreading in the skin.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) who are seeking new insights into their disease and future treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients without Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent CTCL cells from localizing to the skin, potentially improving disease management and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous findings from this team have shown that IL-15 overexpression can induce a CTCL-like condition in models, suggesting this pathway is a promising area for further investigation.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.