Helping immune cells recognize cancer targets
MATCHMAKERS: SOLVING TCR RECOGNITION AND DESIGN VIA INTEGRATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING, STRUCTURAL, FUNCTIONAL, AND COMPUTATIONAL APPROACHES
Uses advanced computing and lab methods to match immune receptors with tumor markers so future therapies can target cancers more precisely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11514457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines machine learning with large lab datasets to learn how T cells spot tumor markers. Researchers will collect matched receptor-and-antigen pairs from humans and mouse models and run high-throughput structural and functional tests. The team will build large searchable datasets and computer models that predict which receptors bind which cancer antigens. Ultimately the work is meant to let scientists design better antigen-specific immune therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who are willing to donate blood or tumor samples or enroll in related sample-collection efforts, especially those with tumor types studied by the project.
Not a fit: People without cancer or patients whose tumors lack the specific antigens being studied are unlikely to get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable safer, more precise T-cell therapies that better target tumor-specific antigens.
How similar studies have performed: Small-scale studies have shown promise in predicting some receptor-antigen pairs, but broad, reliable prediction of TCR recognition remains largely unproven and is the novelty here.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Kenan Christopher — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Kenan Christopher
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.