Understanding how immune cells help salivary glands recover after radiation
Roles of resident macrophages in salivary gland development, homeostasis, regeneration, and function restoration after radiotherapy
This project explores how special immune cells called macrophages help salivary glands work properly and recover after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, aiming to reduce dry mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11103344 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people who receive radiation for head and neck cancer experience long-lasting dry mouth, which greatly affects their quality of life. Our recent findings suggest that immune cells called macrophages in the salivary glands are damaged by radiation, and their recovery is key to restoring saliva production. This project aims to understand where these macrophages come from, what they do in healthy salivary glands, and how they respond to radiation. We also want to identify the specific molecules involved in both the damage and recovery processes, which could lead to new ways to treat dry mouth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have experienced dry mouth as a side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose dry mouth is not related to radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and effective treatments for dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent discoveries about the role of macrophages in salivary gland recovery, aiming to uncover new mechanisms for treatment.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Fei — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liu, Fei
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.