Finding tumor-specific T cells with a new hydrogel test
Identification of cancer neoepitope-specific T cells using novel high-throughput hydrogel based platforms
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11266155
This project uses a new lab platform to find and grow rare tumor-targeting T cells from blood to help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11266155 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you take part, doctors would use a small blood sample on a hyaluronic‑acid hydrogel called the artificial T cell stimulation matrix (aTM) that presents peptide‑MHC, anti‑CD28, and growth cytokines to stimulate T cells. The team will first tune the gel's stiffness and activation signals in mice to learn what best expands rare neo‑epitope–specific T cells, then build a batched, high‑throughput process. After that, they will try the optimized aTM on human blood (starting with healthy donors) to detect and grow tumor‑associated T cells and compare it to current lab methods. The aim is to create a faster, scalable test to find the right T cells for monitoring or designing personalized immunotherapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancer who can give blood samples or healthy donors willing to provide peripheral blood for testing.
Not a fit: People whose tumors lack identifiable neoepitopes or who cannot provide blood samples may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it easier to find and grow a patient's tumor-targeting T cells for better personalized immunotherapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has successfully expanded antigen-specific T cells for therapy, but using a high-throughput hydrogel (aTM) to detect rare neoepitope-specific cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHNECK, JONATHAN P — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SCHNECK, JONATHAN P
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.