Making T cells from stem cells for future therapies
The role of BCL11B in T lineage fate during human thymopoiesis and pluripotent stem cell differentiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11120919
This project aims to discover better ways to create powerful immune cells called T cells from stem cells, which could lead to new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11120919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Current T cell therapies often use a patient's own cells, which can be difficult and limited. This project explores making "off-the-shelf" T cells from special stem cells that can grow indefinitely and be easily modified. We want to understand why current methods for growing these T cells aren't as effective as they could be, often producing too few T cells and other unwanted immune cells. By focusing on a key protein called BCL11B, we hope to learn how to guide stem cells to become the right kind of T cells, just like they do naturally in the body. This knowledge could help us develop a reliable way to produce large numbers of high-quality T cells for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who might benefit from future T cell therapies, such as those with certain cancers or immune disorders, are the ultimate target for this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical trial participation will not directly benefit from this foundational laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and widely available T cell therapies for various diseases, including cancers and autoimmune conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While T cell therapies are already in use, this project explores a novel approach to generating T cells from stem cells, building on preliminary data but addressing current limitations in efficiency.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CROOKS, GAY M — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: CROOKS, GAY M
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.