Understanding how nerve cells interact with the immune system in lung cancer
Official title: Investigating the neutrophil-sensory neuron crosstalk in lung cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10798227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve cells and immune cells talk to each other in lung cancer, hoping to find new ways to improve treatments and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $455,419 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280601-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10798227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lung cancer patients experiencing symptoms like cough and pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous respiratory conditions or those not experiencing significant symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between sensory neurons and immune cells in the context of lung cancer. It aims to uncover how these interactions influence tumor growth and immune responses, particularly focusing on specialized nerve cells that affect pain and cough in lung cancer patients. By exploring these neuro-immune interactions, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by targeting nerve-immune interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of sensory neurons in cancer is an emerging field, similar approaches have shown promise in other areas of cancer research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jin, Chengcheng — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jin, Chengcheng
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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.