Vitamin B6's role in enhancing immune cell function against pancreatic cancer
Official title: Vitamin B6 Modulates NK Cell Metabolism in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10881691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vitamin B6 might help special immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells work better against pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $367,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA276924-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not eligible for NK cell therapies may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how vitamin B6 affects the metabolism of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for targeting and destroying pancreatic cancer cells. By understanding the metabolic needs of NK cells in the nutrient-poor environment of pancreatic tumors, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of NK cell therapies. The researchers will explore how vitamin B6 scarcity impacts NK cell function and their ability to combat cancer. This could lead to innovative treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for pancreatic cancer by enhancing the immune response against tumor cells.
How similar studies have gone: While NK cell therapies have shown promise in other cancers, the specific approach of modulating NK cell metabolism with vitamin B6 in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehla, Kamiya — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Mehla, Kamiya
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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.