Eliminating leftover stem cells in cell therapy treatments
Official title: Selectively eliminating residual human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in cell mixtures for cell therapy
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10949410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to make cell therapies safer by finding and removing leftover stem cells that could cause tumors, so that patients can benefit from these treatments without the risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,351 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036512-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing cell therapy that involves the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving cell therapy or those whose conditions do not involve the use of iPSCs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cell therapy by addressing the risk of tumor formation from leftover human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in cell mixtures. The team is developing a novel approach using transient intranuclear peptide assemblies (nPAs) that selectively target and eliminate residual iPSCs while preserving the beneficial cells derived from them. By leveraging the unique properties of alkaline phosphatase, which is overexpressed in iPSCs, the method aims to eradicate these unwanted cells quickly and safely. This could enhance the safety and effectiveness of cell transplantation therapies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of tumor formation in patients receiving cell therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar strategies targeting residual stem cells have shown promise in preliminary studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Bing — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Bing
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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.