How the elasticity of tissues affects T cell activation and cancer treatment
Official title: Viscoelasticity and T Cell Production
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10980553 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the softness and stretchiness of tissues can affect the way T cells work in fighting cancer, with the hope of making better CAR-T cell treatments for patients battling different types of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $523,713 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276459-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980553 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with leukemias, lymphomas, or solid tumors who may benefit from enhanced T cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or those whose cancer is not amenable to T cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the physical properties of tissues, specifically their elasticity and viscoelasticity, influence the activation and effectiveness of T cells used in cancer therapies. By examining how these properties affect T cell behavior, the study aims to improve the production of CAR-T cells, which are engineered to target and destroy cancer cells. The research will involve laboratory experiments to assess how different tissue characteristics impact T cell activation and their subsequent ability to fight tumors. The ultimate goal is to enhance the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapies for patients with various cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by improving the performance of T cell therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix can significantly influence cell behavior, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mooney, David J — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Mooney, David J
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.