Engineered T cells that precisely target mesothelioma tumors
Combination antigen sensing engineered T cell for precise recognition and enhanced elimination of solid tumors
The team is building engineered T cells that recognize two tumor signals to better find and kill mesothelioma tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have mesothelioma, researchers are designing T cells that use a "prime-and-kill" two-signal circuit so the cells only fully activate at the tumor site. They are combining a novel tumor antigen (ALPPL2) with the known mesothelioma marker mesothelin to improve targeting and reduce damage to normal tissues. The cells use fully human receptor components (SNIPR → CAR) and will be optimized in the lab and in preclinical models to reduce exhaustion, control activity in time and space, and enable local delivery of immune-boosting payloads. The circuit design is modular so it could eventually be adapted to other antigen combinations or payloads.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adult patients with mesothelioma whose tumors express mesothelin and ALPPL2 and who are eligible for experimental cell therapies would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose tumors do not express the targeted antigens or who cannot tolerate cellular therapy would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a safer, more effective cell therapy option for people with mesothelioma.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T cell therapies have been highly effective in blood cancers but have faced challenges in solid tumors; this dual-antigen SNIPR → CAR circuit is a newer strategy with promising laboratory and animal data but not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roybal, Kole T — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Roybal, Kole T
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.