Gene delivery to antigen-specific T cells using targeted retroviral vectors for cancer therapy
Official title: Gene delivery to antigen-specific T cells via targeted retroviral vectors to treat cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11427941 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy approach aims to deliver genes directly into cancer-fighting T cells inside the body to empower them to attack tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,050 |
| NIH project number | 1R33CA302616-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427941 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers where targeted T cell therapy could be beneficial may be eligible for future trials once the platform advances.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage work may not yet benefit patients if safety or delivery challenges arise.
What this research studies
This project seeks to develop peptide-MHC pseudotyped viruses that specifically target antigen-specific T cells, enabling in vivo gene delivery without needing to remove cells from the body. The approach builds on a modified lentivirus system that couples targeting ability with safe entry to T cells, potentially combining benefits of CAR-T, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and immune checkpoint strategies. If successful, it could streamline immunotherapy by bypassing ex vivo cell culture steps and reducing off-target effects. The work involves preclinical development and validation to show that targeted delivery to disease-relevant T cells is feasible and safe in model systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more precise, in-body genetic modification of their T cells to fight cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise with targeted viral vectors and in vivo gene delivery, but the exact in vivo targeting of antigen-specific T cells is still experimental.
Where this research is happening
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Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dougan, Stephanie — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Dougan, Stephanie
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.