Improving natural killer cell therapies for cancer
Human natural killer cells: Advancing biology and clinical applications
This work explores how to make natural killer cell therapies even better at fighting cancer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our team has spent over three decades learning about natural killer (NK) cells, which are a type of immune cell that can fight cancer. We've already helped bring a new type of NK cell therapy, called CAR NK cells, into use for cancer patients. This project aims to overcome current challenges with CAR NK cells, such as understanding why they sometimes get "tired" and stop working effectively. We also want to see if NK cells can "remember" past tumors, which could lead to more lasting protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with various types of cancer who might benefit from advanced immune cell therapies are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not respond to or are not targeted by natural killer cell therapies may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and longer-lasting CAR NK cell therapies for various cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous discoveries from this lab have already successfully led to CAR NK cell therapies being used in the clinic for cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caligiuri, Michael a — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Caligiuri, Michael a
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.