How antibodies recruit immune cells to kill targets
Molecular characterization and modeling efficient antibody effector function
Building lab and computer models to understand how antibody features help immune cells clear infected or diseased cells so antibody treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team runs lab experiments that look at how antibodies, the molecules they bind to on target cells, and immune effector cells interact. They change antibody properties (like how tightly they bind and how flexible they are) and target characteristics (how much and where the antigen sits on a cell) to see what makes immune cells kill or engulf targets. Those experimental results are combined with quantitative computer models to find predictable rules for strong antibody-driven responses. This project focuses on lab and modeling work to guide creation of more effective antibody therapies rather than testing treatments in people right away.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving or being considered for antibody-based treatments (for example in cancer, autoimmune disease, or infectious disease) would be the most directly relevant group for future translation of these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve antibody-based treatment approaches are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory and modeling work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help design antibody medicines that work more reliably and with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and modeling efforts have helped improve some antibody drugs, but combining detailed cell-level experiments with quantitative predictive models is still an advancing area.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ackerman, Margaret E — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Ackerman, Margaret E
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.