Project Grant R01CA302957

Grant Award Summary

The University of Pittsburgh received a $665,449 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the Cancer Biology Research program (CFDA 93.396), awarded July 3, 2026, with a completion date of June 30, 2031. The research focuses on elucidating the role of sensory nerves in regulating anti-tumor immunity, specifically investigating how sensory denervation slows melanoma growth and metastasis. The project will examine the mechanisms by which sensory neurons innervating melanoma tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) modulate immune responses within the tumor microenvironment and secondary lymphoid organs. Using retrograde-labeling, optogenetics, and tissue-specific neuronal ablation techniques, the research will identify which sensory neurons regulate anti-melanoma immune responses and explore TDLN innervation as a novel therapeutic target—aligning with emerging clinical standards that preserve TDLN during neo-adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma and other solid tumors.

The project delivers fundamental cancer biology research focused on tumor immunology and the neuro-immune interface, with deliverables expected to include mechanistic insights into how nervous system denervation enhances effector CD8 T cell function and therapeutic recommendations for targeting tumor innervation in clinical oncology applications. Findings will contribute to understanding cancer etiology and developing improved therapeutic strategies against melanoma.