Gamma-delta T cell therapy for melanoma
Gamma delta T cell based melanoma therapies
Researchers are developing a new immune-cell treatment using gamma-delta T cells aimed at people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233282 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They are using 'humanized' mice that carry human immune cells and human melanoma tumors to try out modified gamma-delta T cells. The team will expand a special human subtype of gamma-delta T cells (Vγ9Vδ2+) and equip them with a DR5-targeting CAR designed to attack both suppressive immune cells and melanoma cells. They will test these cells against hundreds of patient-derived melanoma tumors matched by HLA to study effects on the tumor and its surrounding immune environment. This work is done in the lab and in animal models to check safety and activity before any human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, particularly those with advanced or treatment-resistant disease, would be the likely candidates for related therapies in the future.
Not a fit: People without melanoma, patients whose tumors lack the therapy's targets or compatible HLA types, or those who cannot receive cell-based treatments are unlikely to benefit from this work directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new cell therapies that better target melanoma and overcome immune-suppressing cells in tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical work with gamma-delta T cells has shown safety and occasional responses, but combining Vγ9Vδ2+ cells with a DR5-directed CAR in HLA-matched human tumor models is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Xiaowei — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Xu, Xiaowei
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.