This Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Biology Research program (CFDA 93.396) provides $217,863 to the University of Colorado-Denver to study natural killer (NK) cell profiles within melanoma tumors and during pregnancy, with the goal of identifying biomarkers to predict disease progression risk and response to immunotherapy treatments.
The research aims to understand how the interaction between killer-immunoglobulin like receptors (KIRs) on decidual-like NK cells and HLA-C molecules facilitates both tumor invasion and immune evasion in melanoma. Using advanced techniques like multiplexed immunohistochemistry, single-cell spatial transcriptomics, and patient-derived organoid models, the researchers will evaluate these mechanisms to identify potential biomarkers and new therapeutic targets. The ultimate objectives are to refine the ability to predict which early-stage melanoma patients would benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy, and to improve response to these treatments.
Generated 3/4/25, 8:43 AM