Using immune checkpoint inhibitors to manage pain
Official title: Targeting checkpoint inhibitors for pain control
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10771904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the immune system, called PD-L1 and PD-1, might affect how well pain is managed and how opioids work, using specially modified mice to learn more about pain in different situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,569,851 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS131812-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10771904 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain or cancer-related pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those who are not responsive to opioid analgesics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how immune checkpoint proteins, specifically PD-L1 and PD-1, influence pain control and the effectiveness of opioid analgesics. By utilizing genetically modified mice, the study aims to understand the role of these proteins in both normal and pathological pain conditions. The researchers will explore how the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway affects pain signaling in various contexts, including inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for pain management by targeting these immune pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new methods for controlling pain, potentially reducing reliance on opioids and improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using immune checkpoint inhibitors for various conditions, but this specific application for pain management is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ji, Ru-Rong — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Ji, Ru-Rong
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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.