Research Projects

Chronic neuropsychological stress can modulate immunity and contribute to cancer development and progression. The neuro-immune crosstalk is increasingly being studied in various diseases, including cancer. Serotonin, a unique neurotransmitter, is synthesized in the gut by enterochromaffin cells and controls various peripheral functions, including immune cells. Serotonin signals through 15 receptor subtypes (5-HTR1-7) and a transporter (SERT) in various organs and cells. Increased 5-HTR-2B expression in colon cancer patients has a lower survival rate than those with low expression. The role of serotonin signaling in secondary lymphoid organs and tumor microenvironment in anti-tumor immunity is unclear. This study aims to investigate the extent of serotonergic system interaction in the tumor microenvironment and its effect on anti-tumor immunity, helping to understand this neuro-tumor-immune crosstalk and developing better therapeutic strategies to control tumor growth.