Enhancing the effectiveness of CAR T cells in fighting cancer
Reprogramming the chimeric antigen receptor T cell epigenome to augment anti-tumor activity
This study is looking at ways to make CAR T cell therapy better for people with blood cancers by changing how these immune cells work, so they can stick around longer and fight tumors more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041187 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving CAR T cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy used to treat blood cancers. The approach involves reprogramming the epigenome of these T cells to enhance their ability to persist and attack tumors. By using innovative methods, the researchers aim to overcome challenges where cancer cells evade immune responses. The study will explore how switching between different epigenetic states can influence the effectiveness of CAR T cells in targeting cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with hematologic malignancies who are considering or currently undergoing CAR T cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with solid tumors or those who do not have blood cancers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies, improving outcomes for patients with blood cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell therapies, but this specific approach of epigenomic reprogramming is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jan, Max — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jan, Max
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.