Creating new immune cell therapies to fight cancer using engineered receptors
Modeling based design of chimeric antigen receptors for Natural Killer cell-based immunotherapy
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-10906845
This study is looking at ways to make your immune cells, called natural killer (NK) cells, better at finding and fighting cancer by creating special tools that help them recognize cancer cells more effectively, which could lead to improved treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10906845 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for the immune response against cancer. By designing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specifically for NK cells, the study aims to improve how these cells recognize and destroy cancer cells. The approach combines advanced computer modeling and detailed biological analysis to systematically identify the best CAR designs for activating NK cells. Patients may benefit from more effective immunotherapy options that utilize their own immune cells to target cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that express BCMA, as the engineered NK cells will specifically target these cancer cells.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not express BCMA or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments using engineered immune cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with CAR-T cell therapies, and this study aims to build on that success with CAR-NK cells, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FINLEY, STACEY DELERIA — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: FINLEY, STACEY DELERIA
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 below.