Developing a new method for heart disease treatment using modified T cells
Official title: A Novel Vector Strategy to Feasibilize Cellular Therapy for Heart Disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10896482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with heart disease by developing a method that allows doctors to create special immune cells right inside the patient’s body, making treatment easier and more affordable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL166887-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific cardiac diseases who may benefit from advanced cellular therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not respond to cellular therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cellular therapy for heart disease by creating a novel gene delivery system that allows for the generation of CAR-T cells directly within patients. By using a combination of engineered viruses, the approach aims to enhance the targeting and efficiency of T cell reprogramming, which is crucial for effective treatment. The goal is to eliminate the need for complex and costly extracorporeal methods currently used in CAR-T therapy, making it more accessible for patients with cardiac conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more efficient and cost-effective treatment option for patients suffering from heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR-T therapy has shown promise in other areas, this specific approach using engineered viruses for heart disease is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Zhi Hong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lu, Zhi Hong
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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.