Engineering B cells to produce targeted antibodies
Official title: In vivo engineering of chimeric antibody reprogrammed (CAR) B cells with fully tunable antibody response
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11013392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to boost your immune system by training certain immune cells, called B cells, to make special antibodies that can better fight off infections, using advanced techniques that allow for precise control over how these antibodies work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $188,544 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180822-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with conditions that require enhanced antibody responses, such as those with weakened immune systems or specific infectious diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions that affect their immune response or those who are not eligible for B cell reprogramming may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the immune response by reprogramming B cells to produce specific antibodies that can effectively target pathogens. By using advanced genetic engineering techniques, the researchers aim to create chimeric antibody reprogrammed (CAR) B cells that can be controlled for their antibody production capabilities. The approach involves delivering engineered viral vectors to B cells in the body, allowing for precise control over the antibodies' affinity and effectiveness. This could lead to more consistent and potent immune responses compared to traditional vaccine methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vaccines and therapies that provide stronger and more reliable immune protection against various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetic engineering to enhance immune responses, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Samuel — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lai, Samuel
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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.