Understanding how immune cells interact with early skin cancer development
Official title: Defining the role of innate immune cells in the early stages of immune surveillance of skin cancer by using a novel model that allows in vivo imaging of the immunoediting process.
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10917167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells interact with skin cancer cells in real-time using special mice, which could help us find new ways to catch and treat skin cancer early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $493,397 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080418-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for skin cancer, including those with a family history or genetic predisposition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced skin cancer or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early interactions between immune cells and skin cancer cells using a novel mouse model that allows for real-time imaging of cancer development. By integrating fluorescent keratinocytes into the skin of immunocompetent mice, researchers can visualize how immune cells respond to the initial stages of cancer formation. This approach aims to uncover mechanisms of immune evasion before cancer fully develops, potentially leading to new strategies for early intervention and treatment. The use of advanced imaging techniques enables a detailed examination of the immunoediting process, which is crucial for understanding how cancers adapt to evade the immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and more effective treatments for skin cancer by targeting immune evasion mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar imaging techniques to study cancer development, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roop, Dennis — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Roop, Dennis
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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.