Engineered CD4 'helper' immune cells to target breast tumors
Targeting the tumor microenvironment with engineered CD4+ T cells
Researchers aim to use lab-made CD4 'helper' T cells carrying immune-boosting signals to help people with breast cancer whose tumors do not respond to current immune treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164691 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work designs CD4 'helper' T cells that are engineered to deliver powerful immune signals (IL-12 and IL-18) directly into tumors. In laboratory and mouse tests these modified cells activated other immune cells and caused tumor shrinkage without exposing the whole body to toxic levels of the signals. The team plans to develop these engineered cells for adoptive cell therapy so they can be given to patients with resistant tumors. The focus is on overcoming resistance to checkpoint inhibitors and engaging both adaptive and innate immunity in the tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or treatment-resistant breast cancer, especially those who have not benefited from immune checkpoint inhibitors, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer is well controlled with standard treatments, those with serious immune system problems, or people who cannot undergo cell therapy procedures may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help the immune system attack breast tumors that have not responded to existing immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse work and early adoptive T cell trials support the idea that helper T cells and local cytokine delivery can work, but the specific IL-12/IL-18–armed CD4 approach is primarily at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veatch, Joshua R — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Veatch, Joshua R
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 below.