Developing new methods for isolating cells used in therapies

Traceless, aptamer-based cell isolation for cell therapy applications

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-11113832

This study is working on new ways to make cell therapies, which help heal tissues using living cells, easier and cheaper to produce, so that patients can have better access to effective treatments like immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11113832 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the production of cell therapies, which are treatments that use living cells to heal or regenerate tissues. The team aims to create new technologies using aptamers, which are small molecules that can bind to specific cells, to isolate and prepare these cells more efficiently and cost-effectively. By developing innovative methods for selecting and expanding different types of immune cells, such as CAR T cells and macrophages, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies and regenerative medicine. Patients may benefit from more accessible and affordable cell-based treatments as a result of this work.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who may benefit from advanced cell therapies, particularly those with conditions treatable by CAR T cell therapy or other immunotherapies.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for cell-based therapies or those with conditions that do not respond to such treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and affordable cell therapies for various conditions, including cancer and regenerative diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using aptamer-based technologies for cell isolation, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.