Creating a new system to find antibodies that target cancer cells
Official title: Development of a biparatopic-domain antibody screening system
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11012916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to find special antibodies that can target a protein linked to certain cancers, like lung adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma, which could help create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 18, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,160 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035885-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012916 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma or mesothelioma who may benefit from targeted antibody therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not express mesothelin or those who are not eligible for antibody-based therapies may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel screening system to identify antibodies that specifically bind to a protein called mesothelin, which is overexpressed in certain cancers like lung adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma. By utilizing biparatopic human heavy chain domains, the researchers aim to discover more effective antibody binders compared to traditional methods. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to new therapeutic antibodies that target cancer cells more effectively, potentially improving treatment outcomes. The study involves laboratory techniques to analyze binding sites and optimize antibody designs for future clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments targeting mesothelin, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing targeted therapies for cancers using similar antibody approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ishima, Rieko — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ishima, Rieko
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.