CAR-NKT Cells to Treat Neuroblastoma in Children
Official title: CAR NKT Cell Immunotherapy of Neuroblastoma
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11366862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant funds research to develop CAR-NKT cell therapy for children with neuroblastoma, aiming to improve tumor killing and help those with resistant disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $402,600 |
| NIH project number | 2R01CA262250-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged 0-11 with neuroblastoma, including relapsed or drug-resistant cases, may be eligible for future translational studies and trials stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Early-phase preclinical work may not directly benefit all patients until therapies reach clinical testing.
What this research studies
Neuroblastoma is a dangerous pediatric cancer with limited cure rates. The project builds on early human data to create GD2/B7H3 bi-specific CAR-NKT cells that can better reach tumors and reshape the tumor environment. Scientists will study how these cells persist, how they metabolically function, and how they modulate immune cells within tumors. They will also dissect the mechanisms by which CAR-NKTs interact with macrophages and other immune players to enhance anti-tumor effects. This work includes translating findings toward more effective, durable therapies for children with relapsed or hard-to-treat neuroblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more robust and lasting tumor control for children with neuroblastoma, especially those with resistant disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous early-phase work with CAR-NKTs and related CAR-T approaches in neuroblastoma shows promise, but this bi-specific CAR-NKT strategy remains exploratory and innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metelitsa, Leonid S — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Metelitsa, Leonid 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.