What makes benign nerve tumors grow in neurofibromatosis type 1
Mitogenic Activities in Neurofibromatosis
This research looks at how immune and support cells help benign nerve tumors (neurofibromas) grow in people with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers study neurofibromas using cell cultures and a mouse model where only Schwann cells carry the NF1 mutations that start these tumors. They watch which normal stromal and immune cells—like fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells—are recruited into growing neurofibromas. The team examines signals such as the chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 and tests effects of adding or removing immune cell types, including transferring T cells back into mice. These experiments aim to reveal immune-related steps that allow neurofibromas to form and persist.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with neurofibromatosis type 1 who have neurofibromas, especially those with growing, painful, or disfiguring tumors, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without NF1 or with conditions unrelated to neurofibromas are unlikely to benefit directly, and basic laboratory findings may not change clinical care immediately.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal immune-related targets that might be used to prevent or shrink neurofibromas in people with NF1.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and cell studies, including work by this group, have shown immune cells and CXCR3/CXCL10 signals influence neurofibroma formation, but applying these findings to human treatments is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ratner, Nancy — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ratner, Nancy
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.