Delivering mRNA to specific diseased cells using engineered T cells
Official title: Targeted cell-to-cell mRNA delivery of therapeutic circuits
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-10950323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use specially modified immune cells to deliver helpful mRNA directly to sick cells in the body, which could lead to better treatments for cancer and genetic disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30OD036190-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include patients with specific types of cancer or genetic disorders that could benefit from targeted mRNA therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve targeted cell types or those who are not candidates for mRNA therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to deliver mRNA specifically to diseased cells in the body, which could help in treating conditions like cancer and genetic disorders. The approach involves engineering primary human T cells to act as delivery vehicles that can transport mRNA to target cells. By using synthetic export vehicles, these modified T cells can transfer mRNA that may correct mutations or induce cell death in tumors. The project aims to optimize this delivery system and demonstrate its effectiveness in living organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for various diseases by enabling precise delivery of therapeutic mRNA to targeted cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using engineered cells for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobin, Victoria Rose — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Tobin, Victoria Rose
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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.