How RNA-binding proteins shape T cells that kill tumors
How RNA binding proteins control effector T cell responses
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-11294359
This work looks at how certain RNA-binding proteins change T cells so they can fight cancer more effectively, which could help people getting immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294359 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how signals that boost T cells (like OX40 and 4-1BB) change the way T cells splice their RNA and produce different protein forms. They will focus on RNA-binding proteins such as Tardbp and use lab-grown T cells, molecular analyses, and bioinformatics to catalog alternative RNA splicing events. The team will test whether changing these RNA-binding proteins alters T cell growth, cytokine production, and tumor-killing ability, including in CAR T cell models. Findings could point to molecular switches that researchers might target to improve T cell therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who are considering or receiving T cell–based immunotherapy and who can donate blood or tumor samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those not eligible for T cell therapies are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could suggest new ways to make cancer immunotherapies, including CAR T cells, stronger and longer-lasting.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies show that changing RNA splicing factors can alter immune cell behavior, but using this approach specifically to boost cancer immunotherapy is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT — FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VELLA, ANTHONY T — UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT
- Study coordinator: VELLA, ANTHONY T
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.