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Project details

  • ENU Team Leader: Olga Tarasiuk
  • Other ENU members involved: Eleonora Pozzi
  • Coordinator: Mohammed Shaik
  • Funded by: University of Milan Bicocca
  • Total Contribution: 40.000 €
  • Project Duration in months: 12
  • Start Date: 02.01.2024
  • End Date: 31.12.2024

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a side effect of various cancer chemotherapy treatments. Major categories of chemotherapy drugs cause neurotoxicity and significantly affect the immune system. Research findings suggest that immune cells infiltrate the nervous system of animals with CIPN. A growing concept is that neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in CIPN, implying that therapies targeting neuroinflammation could offer benefits for this condition. TLR4, found on innate immune cells, small primary afferent neurons, and satellite glial cells, can be activated to produce cytokines and chemokines. Some studies have shown increased TLR4 expression in the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord after chemotherapy, potentially contributing to neuropathy progression. Goal of our project is to assess the effectiveness of a novel TLR4 antagonist in limiting both systemic and local neuroinflammatory processes, with the aim of exploring its potential as a treatment for CIPN.

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Exploring the effect of novel TLR4 antagonists in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity