New CAR T cell therapy targeting BAFF-R for treating acute B-cell leukemia

BAFF-R CAR T cell therapy for ALL

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11057519

This study is testing a new type of CAR T cell therapy that targets a specific protein in B-cell leukemia to help improve treatment for both kids and adults who haven't responded well to current therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057519 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel CAR T cell therapy that targets the B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) to treat acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The approach aims to address the challenge of treatment resistance seen in current therapies, particularly in patients who have relapsed or are resistant to existing treatments like CD19-directed CAR T therapy. By utilizing BAFF-R, which is present in B-ALL cells, the therapy seeks to improve outcomes for both children and adults suffering from this aggressive cancer. The research includes preclinical models to evaluate the effectiveness of these CAR T cells against B-ALL, especially in cases where traditional targets are no longer viable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults diagnosed with acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those with relapsed or refractory disease.

Not a fit: Patients with B-ALL who are not eligible for CAR T cell therapy or those with other types of leukemia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with B-ALL, particularly those who have not responded to existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While CAR T therapies targeting CD19 and CD22 have shown promise, this approach targeting BAFF-R is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.