Understanding how immune signals affect stem cells and hair color
Official title: PD-1/PD-L1 signaling at the interface between immune and stem cell crosstalk
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11222451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells and special skin cells that help with hair color work together, especially when using certain cancer treatments, to find better ways to help people with hair loss or pigmentation issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $384,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177511-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11222451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients undergoing immunotherapy for cancer who are experiencing changes in hair pigmentation or hair loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not undergo immunotherapy or who have no interest in hair pigmentation changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between immune cells and melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) to understand how these interactions can be influenced by immunotherapies. The focus is on the PD-1 and PD-L1 proteins, which play a crucial role in regulating immune responses and stem cell behavior. By studying how blocking PD-L1 affects hair pigmentation and stem cell activity, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve treatments for conditions related to hair loss and pigmentation. Patients may benefit from insights into how their immune system interacts with stem cells, particularly in the context of cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing hair loss and pigmentation changes associated with cancer treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors can lead to unexpected effects on pigmentation, indicating that this area of study has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Melissa L — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Harris, Melissa L
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.