Creating engineered stem cells to produce antibodies for treating high cholesterol
Official title: Engineering hematopoietic stem cells to generate therapeutic antibody secreting B cells
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11071235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new one-time treatment for high cholesterol that uses special stem cells to help your body make antibodies that lower cholesterol levels, aiming to provide a lasting solution for people with high cholesterol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 14, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL178496-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia who are seeking alternative treatment options beyond standard medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have high cholesterol or those whose condition is not related to PCSK9 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for high cholesterol by engineering hematopoietic stem cells to produce B cells that secrete antibodies targeting a protein called PCSK9. By using advanced CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the researchers aim to create a one-time therapy that could provide a lifelong solution for patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia. The approach involves delivering an engineered antibody gene into the stem cells, which will then generate B cells capable of producing the necessary antibodies to lower cholesterol levels effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a long-lasting treatment option for patients with high cholesterol, reducing their reliance on lifelong medication.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using gene editing and engineered antibodies for treating various conditions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luna, Sofia Elena — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Luna, Sofia Elena
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.