Engineering circuits to help T cells enter difficult tumors
Synthetic circuits that drive infiltration of therapeutic T cells into immunologically cold tumors
This study is exploring a new way to help special immune cells called T cells better reach and attack stubborn tumors that usually resist treatment, which could lead to more effective cancer therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| 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-10898831 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating synthetic circuits that enhance the ability of therapeutic T cells to infiltrate tumors that are typically resistant to immune responses, known as 'cold' tumors. By engineering these circuits, the researchers aim to improve the movement and adhesion of T cells within the tumor environment, allowing them to effectively target and destroy cancer cells. The approach involves manipulating natural cell behaviors, such as chemotaxis and cell signaling, to overcome the barriers that prevent T cells from entering these tumors. Patients may benefit from this innovative strategy if it leads to more effective cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors that are classified as immune-excluded or 'cold', where current therapies have limited effectiveness.
Not a fit: Patients with tumors that are already responsive to existing immunotherapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapies for patients with hard-to-treat solid tumors.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of engineering synthetic circuits is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Wendell a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Lim, Wendell a
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.