Developing tools to enhance T cell responses against cancer and infections
Official title: Mechano-ID for tagging immune cells
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10987031 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help T cells, which are important for fighting cancer and infections, recognize and respond better to harmful cells, with the hope of improving treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,822 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172452-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987031 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are undergoing treatment for cancer or have autoimmune disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative tools to better understand how T cells, a crucial part of the immune system, recognize and respond to cancer cells and pathogens. By studying the mechanical forces involved in the interaction between T cells and target cells, the researchers aim to improve the effectiveness of T cell activation. The project will utilize advanced techniques to tag T cells based on these mechanical interactions, which could lead to more accurate predictions of how well T cells can respond to specific threats in the body. This approach may ultimately enhance the development of targeted immunotherapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes in cancer treatment and autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using mechanical force-based approaches to enhance T cell activation, indicating that this method has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salaita, Khalid S. — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Salaita, Khalid S.
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.