Investigating how anti-FAP CAR T cells affect heart tissue in fibrosis
Official title: Exploring the immunomodulatory effects of anti-FAP CAR T cells in cardiac fibrosis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11115549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new type of treatment using special T cells that target a protein involved in heart scarring, with the hope of helping people with heart failure feel better and improve their heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $34,623 |
| NIH project number | 5F30HL172583-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with heart failure characterized by cardiac fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac related conditions or those without evidence of cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of engineered T cells that target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) to treat cardiac fibrosis, a condition that can worsen heart function. By utilizing advanced sequencing technologies, the study aims to understand how these CAR T cells interact with heart cells and whether they can effectively reduce fibrosis. The research will involve preclinical models to assess the safety and efficacy of this innovative therapy, potentially leading to new treatment options for heart failure patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve heart function and outcomes for patients with cardiac fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Initial studies using similar CAR T cell approaches in other contexts have shown promise, but this specific application in cardiac fibrosis is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Steven — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Steven
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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.