Antibody that boosts the immune attack on acute myeloid leukemia by blocking MICA/B shedding
Promoting immunity against acute myeloid leukemia through Fc effector-optimized antibody inhibitory of MICA/B shedding
An engineered antibody aims to help the immune system better find and destroy leukemia cells in people with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231727 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops an engineered antibody that stops AML cells from shedding MICA/B, a surface signal that helps immune cells recognize stressed or cancerous cells. By blocking shedding and optimizing the antibody's Fc region, the antibody is designed to increase killing by natural killer cells and promote macrophage-driven phagocytosis of leukemia cells in blood and bone marrow. Researchers are testing the antibody in laboratory and animal models to measure immune activation, leukemia cell clearance, and safety. The team will refine the antibody’s activity and dosing as a step toward potential future human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute myeloid leukemia—especially those with relapsed or refractory disease or detectable MICA/B on their leukemia cells—would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without AML, those whose leukemia does not express MICA/B, or those with conditions that prevent antibody therapy would be unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help the immune system clear AML cells more effectively, lowering leukemia burden and potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Antibody therapies that boost Fc-driven immune responses have worked in other blood cancers and some solid tumors, but blocking MICA/B shedding is a newer strategy with promising preclinical results.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrari de Andrade, Lucas — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Ferrari de Andrade, Lucas
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 below.