Mouse model of B cells that target cancer sugar markers
A BCR transgenic mouse model to study glycan-specific B cells
['FUNDING_R21'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11238911
Researchers are using a genetically engineered mouse to learn how B cells recognize tumor-associated sugar markers and whether those B cells can help fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mice engineered so many of their B cells carry an antibody that binds tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs). Scientists will test whether these B cells fight tumors directly or by making antibodies that recruit other immune cells, and will study what signals drive them to change antibody types and become antibody-producing plasma cells. Experiments will measure anti-tumor effects and antibody responses in the mouse model under different conditions. The goal is to identify strategies that could be used later to boost B cell responses against cancers that display these sugar markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There are no patients enrolled in this lab-based mouse study, but people with cancers that express tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens would be the eventual candidates for therapies informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express these specific sugar antigens, or those needing immediate clinical treatment, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new antibody- or B cell-based approaches to help the immune system target cancers that express tumor-associated sugar markers.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior preclinical and early clinical efforts targeting tumor glycans have shown promise, but this area remains experimental and results have been inconsistent.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HAAS, KAREN M — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: HAAS, KAREN 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.