Creating hydrogels to improve T cell therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases
Official title: Lymph node inspired hydrogels for immune cell reprogramming
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11139785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special gels that copy how lymph nodes work to help make T cell treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases faster and cheaper, so more patients can get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,934 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB034818-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or autoimmune disorders who may benefit from advanced T cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or autoimmune conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative hydrogels that mimic the natural environment of lymph nodes to enhance the engineering of T cells for immunotherapy. By utilizing advanced techniques like DNA origami and colloidal science, the project aims to streamline the production of antigen-specific T cells, making the process more efficient and less costly. The goal is to overcome current challenges in T cell therapy, such as long production times and high costs, ultimately improving patient access to these treatments. Patients may benefit from more effective and affordable T cell therapies for conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible T cell therapies for patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomimetic approaches to enhance T cell therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Correa, Santiago — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Correa, Santiago
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.