Understanding how nerves and immune cells interact in lung cancer
Investigating the neutrophil-sensory neuron crosstalk in lung cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11125893
This research explores how nerves and immune cells in the lungs communicate to influence lung cancer, hoping to find new ways to improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125893 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We know that many solid tumors, including lung cancer, have nerves that sense and respond to their environment, much like the immune system. Traditionally, nerves were not thought to play an active role in cancer, but we now understand they are important. This project aims to uncover how the nervous system controls the immune response within tumors and what factors in the tumor's environment shape these nerve connections. We are particularly interested in sensory nerves in the lungs that cause symptoms like cough and pain in lung cancer patients. Our goal is to see if targeting these nerve pathways can reprogram the tumor's immune environment and make current immunotherapies more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients with lung cancer, especially those experiencing symptoms like chronic cough or pain, as it seeks to understand underlying disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients without lung cancer or those with other cancer types not involving similar nerve-immune interactions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies for lung cancer by targeting the communication between nerves and immune cells, potentially improving how patients respond to existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of sensory nerves in regulating lung immune cells has been observed in conditions like allergy and bacterial infections, their specific roles in promoting lung cancer development are less understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JIN, CHENGCHENG — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: JIN, CHENGCHENG
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections