Federal Project Grant Summary

The Ohio State University received a $567,754 Project Grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395), awarded on June 23, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. The grant funds research into immunotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM), the most lethal primary brain tumor, by targeting an immunoregulatory neuropeptide pathway. The research examines how GBM activates trigeminal sensory neurons that release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which in turn reprograms tumor-associated macrophages toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. The project delivers preclinical research outputs including in vivo studies in syngeneic orthotopic murine GBM models demonstrating that nociceptor ablation prolongs survival and sensitizes previously unresponsive GBM to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

The grant supports discovery and development research aimed at understanding and rewiring anti-tumor immunity by disrupting the CGRP-driven tumor-host interaction that facilitates immune escape. Key deliverables include mechanistic studies elucidating the mutually antagonistic interaction between CGRP and interferon-gamma signaling in tumor-associated macrophages and CD8 T cell function, as well as validation of therapeutic targets including receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) on myeloid cells. This fundamental and applied laboratory research contributes to the Cancer Treatment Research program's objective to develop improved methods of cancer treatment through biological therapy and molecularly targeted approaches that enhance anti-tumor immunity.