New immunotherapy using complement activators to target cancer cells
Official title: Gain-of-function complement activators as a new class of immunotherapeutic molecules
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11084547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat cancer by using special molecules that help the immune system find and attack cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe, aiming to offer a better and more affordable option for people with blood cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $495,105 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269217-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with hematologic malignancies who may benefit from targeted immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors that do not express the specific antigens targeted by the engineered molecules may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to cancer treatment by utilizing gain-of-function mutations in complement activator factor B to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. The researchers aim to create engineered molecules that can direct the body's immune response to malignant cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. By fusing these complement activators with antibody fragments, they hope to develop a more effective and cost-efficient alternative to existing therapies like CAR-T cells. This innovative strategy could potentially improve outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer therapies with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered immune molecules for targeted cancer therapies, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez Barricarte, Ruben — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Martinez Barricarte, Ruben
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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.