Boosting antibody treatment by activating NOD2
Novel enhancement of antibody therapy through NOD2 activation
This project tests whether turning on a protein called NOD2 can help antibody therapies work better for people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working to make antibody drugs that target CLL more effective by changing how certain immune cells called monocytes and macrophages behave. In lab experiments they use NOD2 activators to lower immune-braking signals and raise activating receptors and cytokines that help natural killer (NK) cells kill cancer cells. Treated monocytes also showed signs of helping NK cells mature and become more cytotoxic in cell co-cultures. The team aims to translate these lab findings into ways to improve CD20 antibody therapies that many people with CLL receive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who are receiving or eligible for CD20-directed antibody therapy or related chemoimmunotherapy.
Not a fit: People without CLL, those treated for very different cancers, or patients in whom antibody therapy is not appropriate are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make antibody treatments for CLL more effective and help patients achieve better responses.
How similar studies have performed: Existing clinical use of CD20 antibodies has improved outcomes in CLL and early laboratory work supports that NOD2 activation can boost macrophage and NK cell activity, but clinical testing of this specific approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tridandapani, Susheela — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Tridandapani, Susheela
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.