Creating advanced CAR T cells that respond to tumor environments for better cancer treatment
Official title: Development of Tunable Microenvironment-Responsive CAR T Cells Using Synthetic Gene Circuits to Enhance Potency and Safety
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10995779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of treatment for ovarian cancer that uses specially designed immune cells to better fight tumors, especially in low-oxygen areas where cancer often hides, so patients can have a more effective and safer option for their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA275362-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995779 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer who may benefit from innovative immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not exhibit hypoxic microenvironments or those who are not diagnosed with solid tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing CAR T cells that can adapt to the unique conditions of solid tumors, particularly ovarian cancer. By using synthetic biology, the researchers aim to engineer these cells to respond to the hypoxic (low oxygen) environments typical of many tumors, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. The approach involves creating a biosensor that allows CAR T cells to activate specifically in response to the tumor's microenvironment, potentially improving their effectiveness and safety. Patients may benefit from a more targeted and effective treatment option for ovarian cancer, which currently has limited therapeutic options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer CAR T cell therapies for patients with ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR T cell therapies have shown success in treating blood cancers, this approach to solid tumors is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schreiber, Yannick Rene — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Schreiber, Yannick Rene
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.