Grant: Project Grant

Itching (pruritus) is common in many types of cancer, and recent research has shown that cancer cells release signals prompting nerve cells (neurons) to grow into tumors. Our previous studies indicate that blocking the electrical activity of these tumor-infiltrating neurons can slow cancer progression. However, we still do not fully understand how nerves help cancer cells survive. Our team has now discovered that tumor cells can dramatically alter the genes of the nerves that enter tumors. We suspect that cancer cells harness a particular type of nerve cell-nociceptors-to reshape the immune system in ways that favor tumor growth. Our ultimate goal is to target these tumor-invading neurons in order to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. Specifically, we will: 1. Determine how nociceptor neurons influence the response of certain immune cells (cDC1) to melanoma (a form of skin cancer). 2. Investigate how these cDC1 cells, in turn, affect the activity of tumor-invading neurons. By examining the interplay between the nervous system and the immune system within tumors, our research could reveal new insights into cancer biology and open up novel treatment strategies. This proposal is the first to enhance the immune system's cancer-fighting power by leveraging the partnership between nerves and immune cells.