Immune cells sticking to tiny brain blood vessels after CAR T treatment
Endothelial-Leukocyte Adhesion in CAR T Cell Treatment Associated Neurotoxicity
This work looks at how CAR T therapy can cause immune cells to block tiny brain blood vessels in people treated for leukemia or lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143921 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers are using a mouse model that mimics the neurologic side effects seen after CD19-directed CAR T therapy to watch blood flow in the brain. They use advanced two-photon imaging to see which immune cells plug tiny capillaries and to track changes in vessel-supporting cells called pericytes. The team will test which adhesion molecules and signals cause the plugging and try interventions that could stop the blockages. Findings aim to point to treatments that reduce confusion, seizures, or brain swelling after CAR T.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People receiving CD19-directed CAR T cell therapy for leukemia or lymphoma, including children, who are at risk for neurologic side effects.
Not a fit: People who are not receiving CAR T therapy or who are being treated with CAR T cells targeting non-CD19 antigens are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to prevent or treat neurologic side effects of CAR T therapy, lowering the risk of seizures, cognitive problems, and rare fatal brain swelling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research links systemic inflammation and cytokine release to CAR T neurotoxicity, but the finding that white blood cells plug cortical capillaries and the focus on adhesion mechanisms is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gust, Juliane — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gust, Juliane
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.