Improving T-cell function for cancer treatment

Engineering bZIP family transcription factors for therapeutic T-cell persistence and effector function

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10936418

This study is looking at ways to make T-cells, which help fight cancer, stronger and more effective so they can better tackle tough tumors, with the hope that this will lead to better cancer treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10936418 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of T-cells, which are crucial for cancer immunotherapy. By engineering specific transcription factors, the study aims to improve T-cell resilience against the stressors present in solid tumors, which often lead to T-cell dysfunction. The approach involves both overexpressing beneficial transcription factors and knocking out those that promote dysfunction, with the goal of creating T-cells that can persist longer and function better in attacking tumors. Patients may benefit from more effective cancer treatments that utilize these engineered T-cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are undergoing or considering T-cell based immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-solid tumors or those not eligible for T-cell therapies may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that improve patient outcomes by enhancing T-cell persistence and function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing T-cell function through genetic modifications, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.