Self-propelled CAR T cells to better reach pancreatic tumors
Engineering self-propelled tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells using synthetic velocity receptors
Testing engineered CAR T immune cells that move faster to better enter and attack pancreatic tumors in adults with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have pancreatic cancer, researchers are creating CAR T cells with synthetic "velocity receptors" to help them move through the tumor's dense tissue. They will first test how well these modified CAR T cells move and kill cancer cells in the lab, then choose the ten most promising designs to test in mouse models. This work is preclinical and does not currently enroll patients, but it aims to produce CAR T candidates that could be tested in people in future trials. The goal is to overcome the physical barriers in pancreatic tumors so immune cells can find and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) would be the likely candidates if these approaches reach clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers other than pancreatic cancer or those seeking immediate, available treatments will not directly benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to CAR T therapies that penetrate pancreatic tumors better and improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: CAR T therapies have been very successful for blood cancers but have had limited success in solid tumors like pancreatic cancer, and the velocity receptor approach is a novel preclinical strategy.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wirtz, Denis — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wirtz, Denis
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.