Developing new synthetic receptors to enhance mRNA therapies for cancer treatment
Official title: A Novel Class of Synthetic Receptors to Empower the Age of mRNA Therapies
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10687517 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help your immune system fight cancer by using special messages called mRNA to make immune cells that can better find and destroy cancer cells, making treatments safer and easier for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | September 18, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,350,770 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2EB035891-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10687517 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancers who may benefit from advanced immunotherapy techniques.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those who do not have access to mRNA therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving mRNA-mediated therapies, particularly in the context of adoptive cell therapy for cancer treatment. It explores the use of synthetic receptors to enhance the precision of targeting cancer cells, allowing immune cells to be engineered to better recognize and eliminate malignant cells. By utilizing mRNA as a delivery method, the approach aims to provide a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional DNA-based methods, potentially making these therapies more accessible to patients. The research also investigates the possibility of creating functional CAR T cells directly within the body, rather than extracting and modifying cells outside the patient.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments that are easier to administer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mRNA for therapeutic applications, particularly in vaccine development, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Xiaojing J — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Gao, Xiaojing J
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.