Exploring new cancer treatments using bystander T cells
Official title: Paving the way for bystander T cell immunotherapies
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11034352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain immune cells, called bystander T cells, can be activated to help fight cancer, with the hope of creating new treatment options that work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $113,937 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA296729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with solid tumors who may not respond well to conventional T cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not solid tumors or those who have already responded well to existing T cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of bystander T cells, which are often overlooked in cancer immunotherapy, to become effective in fighting tumors. The approach focuses on understanding how these T cells can be activated outside of tumors and how they can be utilized to enhance anti-cancer responses. By leveraging the unique properties of bystander T cells, the research aims to develop novel therapies that could overcome the limitations faced by traditional tumor-specific T cell therapies. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that harness their immune system more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes by utilizing bystander T cells to combat tumors.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of targeting bystander T cells is relatively novel, there is emerging interest in this area, suggesting potential for success based on preliminary findings in related research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maurice, Nicholas Joseph — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Maurice, Nicholas Joseph
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers related to human reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different factors in our bodies affect reproduction and the health of children and teens, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about these important topics by analyzing samples like blood and urine without changing anything in their daily lives.
-
AI-powered liver cancer screening using ultrasound blood flow patterns
A new AI-based method analyzes liver blood flow signals to help detect liver cancer early in people with liver disease, especially in settings with limited resources.
-
Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Understanding how survivorship care plans affect health outcomes for cancer survivors
A study will look at whether survivorship care plans help reduce deaths and improve health for adults who have survived cancer.
-
Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Minnesota Population Center: a hub for migration, family and community data science
A university research center helps researchers study population dynamics by sharing data, training researchers, and communicating findings to diverse audiences.
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.