Boosting Immune Cells to Better Fight Cancer
Expression of recombinant Fc receptors by engineered NK cells to enhance cancer cell killing
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11053476
This project aims to make natural killer (NK) immune cells stronger at finding and destroying cancer cells, especially for patients whose current antibody treatments are not working as well.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11053476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many cancer treatments use special antibodies to help the body's own immune cells, called Natural Killer (NK) cells, find and kill cancer. However, some patients' NK cells don't bind strongly enough to these antibodies, or they develop resistance over time. This project is creating new, improved NK cells by giving them a stronger 'receptor' that can grab onto cancer-fighting antibodies more tightly. These enhanced NK cells are designed to be more effective at targeting and destroying cancer cells, particularly in epithelial ovarian cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that are currently treated with antibody therapies, particularly epithelial ovarian cancer, might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve the specific targets of these antibody therapies or who are not candidates for immune cell-based treatments may not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective immune cell therapies for cancer patients, especially those who don't respond well to current antibody treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While current antibody therapies show success, many patients develop resistance, making this approach of enhancing NK cell function a novel strategy to overcome that resistance.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALCHECK, BRUCE K — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: WALCHECK, BRUCE K
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.