Controlling CAR T cell therapy with small molecules for better cancer treatment
Official title: Precision Control of Universal CAR Activity by Small Molecule Adaptors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11050055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of CAR T cell therapy called SNAP-CAR, which aims to make treatment for blood cancers more effective and flexible by using special molecules that help the therapy target different cancer cells better, so patients can have a more personalized and powerful option for their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,890 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290866-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with blood cancers, solid tumors, or autoimmune diseases who may benefit from advanced CAR T cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or autoimmune diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving CAR T cell therapy, a groundbreaking treatment for blood cancers, by developing a universal CAR called SNAP-CAR that can be programmed to target various cancer cells. The approach involves using small molecule adaptors that can enhance the specificity and effectiveness of these CAR T cells, making them more adaptable to different types of tumors and potentially autoimmune diseases. By utilizing these small molecules, the research aims to overcome current challenges in CAR T therapy, such as limited targeting ability and complex manufacturing processes. Patients may benefit from a more effective and versatile treatment option that can be tailored to their specific cancer type.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell therapies, but this approach using small molecule adaptors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deiters, Alexander — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Deiters, Alexander
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.