CAR-engineered stem cells to enhance immune suppression in autoimmune diseases
Official title: Engineered Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Enhanced Immunosuppression
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11336895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Mayo Clinic team is testing engineered mesenchymal stromal cells with CARs to boost their ability to calm immune attacks in autoimmune diseases like GVHD and IBD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $807,447 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179974-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11336895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with autoimmune diseases such as GVHD or inflammatory bowel disease who could benefit from enhanced immunosuppression therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune inflammatory conditions or those unable to tolerate cell-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses genetic engineering to create CAR-MSCs that better reach inflamed tissues and suppress harmful immune responses. Researchers will use viral vectors, CRISPR tools, and mouse models to compare CAR-MSCs with ordinary MSCs. They will explore how CAR-MSCs traffic to target sites, how they signal to dampen inflammation, and how to optimize their immunosuppressive effects. The work builds on prior safety data in animals and aims to translate findings toward treating autoimmune conditions in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CAR-MSCs could provide a more effective cell-based therapy to reduce autoimmune inflammation and related tissue damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work showed that CAR-engineered MSCs can enhance immunosuppression and trafficking in models of autoimmunity, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenderian, Saad J. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Kenderian, Saad J.
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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.