Finding specific immune cells that target cancer using new technology
Official title: Identification of cancer neoepitope-specific T cells using novel high-throughput hydrogel based platforms
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11031407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to make cancer treatments better by using a special gel to help find and grow the immune cells that fight cancer, so if you're a patient, this research could lead to more personalized and effective therapies just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $406,871 |
| NIH project number | 5R33CA278429-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not qualify for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cancer immunotherapy by developing a novel hydrogel-based platform to identify and expand T cells that specifically target cancer neoepitopes. By using a system called the artificial T cell stimulation matrix (aTM), researchers aim to enhance the detection of these rare T cells in the blood of patients. The study will explore how different physical and biochemical factors influence the growth of these T cells, ultimately aiming to create a high-throughput method for patient-specific cancer treatment. This approach could lead to better-targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes in cancer care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer treatments by identifying the best immune cells to target specific tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar high-throughput technologies for immune cell detection, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schneck, Jonathan P — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Schneck, Jonathan P
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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.