New method for sorting specific immune cells to improve cancer treatments

DNA-gated cytometry for multiplexed sorting of antigen-specific CD8 T cells

NIH-funded research Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11088254

This study is testing a new way to find and collect special immune cells that help fight cancer, making it easier to get the right cells for treatments that use your own immune system.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088254 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel technique called DNA-gated sorting cytometry to isolate specific CD8 T cells that recognize cancer-related antigens. By using a DNA-based system, the researchers aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of isolating these immune cells without the limitations of traditional methods like fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). This approach could allow for higher throughput and better recovery of rare T cell populations, which is crucial for advancing adoptive T cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that could benefit from adoptive T cell therapies, particularly those with specific antigen targets.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cancer or those whose cancer does not express identifiable antigens may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies by improving the isolation of immune cells that target tumors.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using DNA-based sorting is innovative, similar techniques in cell sorting have shown promise in other contexts, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, 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 2026-06-13 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.