Finding specific immune cells that target cancer using new technology

Identification of cancer neoepitope-specific T cells using novel high-throughput hydrogel based platforms

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11031407

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031407 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are undergoing or considering immunotherapy treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not qualify for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanticancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.