CAR T cells boosted to better attack solid tumors and resist PD-1 suppression
Official title: CD28-KITv CAR T cells with PD-1 dominant negative receptor
Funded at Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · NIH-11457454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Engineered immune cells that target mesothelin and resist tumor suppression for people with solid tumors such as pleural mesothelioma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,047,785 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3CA290241-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with mesothelin-expressing solid tumors such as malignant pleural mesothelioma who are eligible for cellular therapy and can undergo regional delivery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors lack mesothelin expression or who cannot receive cell therapy or regional infusion are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
You would receive CAR T cells engineered to bind mesothelin, a protein present on many solid tumors. The cells combine CD28 costimulation with a KITv change to boost IFNγ signaling and include a built-in PD‑1 dominant negative receptor so they keep functioning in an immune-suppressive tumor environment. These CAR T cells can be given regionally (for example directly into the chest for pleural disease) to improve tumor infiltration and avoid lung trapping. The team has already treated patients with related CAR designs and is expanding the approach to make responses stronger and more durable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce stronger, longer-lasting CAR T responses against mesothelin-positive solid tumors and potentially improve survival.
How similar studies have gone: Early clinical work at this center using mesothelin-targeted CD28 CARs with PD‑1 dominant negative receptors has shown imaging responses, signs of increased survival, and manageable toxicities.
Where this research is happening
-
Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adusumilli, Prasad S. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Adusumilli, Prasad S.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.