Making CAR T-cell therapy work better for blood cancers
Increasing the efficacy of non-activated CAR T cells by modulating IFN1 signaling
This research aims to improve CAR T-cell therapy for people with blood cancers by making the treatment more effective and long-lasting.
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 ID | NIH-11146552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
CAR T-cell therapy has shown great promise in treating blood cancers, but sometimes the benefits don't last as long as we'd like because the T cells don't persist well in the body. Current methods involve activating T cells outside the body, which can make them less powerful over time. Our team has found that using T cells that haven't been activated might lead to a stronger, more lasting treatment. This project focuses on overcoming a challenge with these non-activated T cells to ensure they can be effectively prepared for therapy, ultimately making the treatment more durable after it's given to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with blood-based cancers who may be candidates for or have received CAR T-cell therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with solid tumors or those not eligible for CAR T-cell therapy may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to CAR T-cell therapies that provide more durable and effective control over blood cancers for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary work by this team has shown promising results with non-activated T cells, suggesting this approach has potential, though this specific method is being further developed.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- 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 below.