Investigating how specific immune cells respond to cancer

Novel TCR transgenic mice to study tumor neoantigen-specific T cell responses

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10991703

This study is looking at how a special type of immune cell called CD8+ T cells reacts to cancer and aims to find better ways to help these cells fight tumors, which could lead to improved treatments for patients with cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how activated CD8+ T cells, a type of immune cell, respond to cancer-specific antigens. By using specially designed mice that express these antigens, researchers aim to uncover how these T cells can be effectively primed and recruited to fight tumors. The study will explore the mechanisms behind T cell dysfunction in the tumor environment and how these insights can improve cancer therapies, including CAR-T cell treatments. Patients may benefit from advancements in targeted immunotherapies based on the findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that express specific neoantigens, particularly those who may benefit from immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not express the targeted neoantigens or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the body's immune response to target tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using TCR transgenic mice has shown promise in understanding T cell responses to tumors, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Conditions cancer antigens
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.