Improving CAR T cell therapy for blood cancers by enhancing cell signaling
Official title: Increasing the efficacy of non-activated CAR T cells by modulating IFN1 signaling
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10943418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to make CAR T cell therapy better for people with blood cancers by using special T cells that can last longer and work more effectively, which could help patients have a stronger and longer-lasting response to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $587,108 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292680-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with blood cancers who are considering CAR T cell therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors or those who do not have blood cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapy, which is used to treat blood cancers. The approach involves using non-activated T cells, which have better characteristics for long-term cancer control compared to activated T cells. The study aims to improve the efficiency of these non-activated T cells by using a specific protein that enhances their ability to be modified and function effectively after infusion. Patients may benefit from a more durable response to treatment as a result of this innovative method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and long-lasting CAR T cell therapies for patients with blood cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches to enhancing CAR T cell therapy, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghassemi, Saba — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ghassemi, Saba
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.