Understanding how sex differences affect helper T cells in bladder cancer
Official title: Identifying mechanisms underlying biologic sex-based differences in tumor-associated CD4+ T cell help
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-11447203 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to uncover why male and female immune systems respond differently to bladder cancer, focusing on CD4+ helper T cells and how hormones may influence them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $504,955 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA306974-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447203 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with bladder cancer or those at risk, whose immune systems may be affected by sex differences, could be eligible for related future studies or treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Participants without involvement in CD4+ T cell pathways or those not contributing samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores why men and women may experience bladder cancer differently by looking at CD4+ T cells, which help coordinate the immune response against tumors. It tests how sex and androgen signaling might change CD40-CD40L communication and other T cell functions in bladder cancer. Researchers will use patient-derived samples and laboratory models to map mechanisms and identify potential targets to improve immune control of tumors. The aim is to translate these findings into therapies that boost anti-tumor immunity for all patients, regardless of sex.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to therapies that enhance CD4+ T cell help to better control bladder cancer in both men and women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown sex-based differences in immune responses, but this project uniquely focuses on CD4+ T cell help in cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oster Alspach, Elise J — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Oster Alspach, Elise J
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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.