Off-the-shelf CAR-T for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Project 1: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for T cell malignancies
This trial tests a donor-derived, gene-edited CAR-T cell treatment that targets CD7 for people with relapsed or refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive an off-the-shelf CAR-T product made from donor T cells that are gene-edited to remove CD7 and the T cell receptor so they do not attack each other or cause graft-versus-host disease. The engineered UCART7 cells are designed to find and kill leukemia cells that carry CD7. The team is running a Phase 1/2 trial for people with relapsed or refractory T-ALL to check safety, tolerability, and anti-leukemia activity. Treatment typically involves an infusion and close inpatient monitoring for side effects such as cytokine release syndrome or infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults and children with relapsed or refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who meet the trial's medical and enrollment criteria are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People without T-ALL, or those with active severe infections, major organ failure, or other conditions that make cell therapy unsafe, may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a ready-made CAR-T option that kills T-ALL cells and may be faster and more available than patient-derived therapies.
How similar studies have performed: CAR-T therapies have transformed treatment for B-cell leukemias, but CAR-T for T-cell leukemias is newer; preclinical UCART7 results are promising while clinical data remain early.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dipersio, John F. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Dipersio, John F.
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.