Simplifying CAR T therapy by programming flu-specific T cells inside the body
Democratizing CAR T cell therapy by in situ programming of virus-specific T cells
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11231988
The team plans to deliver CAR instructions into a patient's flu-fighting T cells so they can quickly target multiple myeloma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231988 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will create tiny lipid nanoparticles that carry mRNA for a BCMA-targeting CAR and display influenza peptide/HLA to find flu-specific T cells. These nanoparticles are designed to enter those T cells in the body and reprogram them to recognize and kill BCMA-expressing myeloma cells. Seasonal influenza vaccination will be used to boost the targeted T cells and increase CAR activity. Initial testing will use lab and animal models focused on human T cells with plans to expand to other CAR targets like CD19 if successful.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with BCMA-positive multiple myeloma who have influenza-specific T cells or are willing to receive a seasonal flu vaccine and are eligible for experimental CAR T approaches.
Not a fit: People whose cancers do not express BCMA, who lack influenza-specific T cells, or who cannot receive experimental treatments are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make CAR T treatment faster, much less expensive, and more accessible for people with blood cancers such as multiple myeloma.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical work has shown lipid nanoparticles can deliver CAR mRNA in animals, but in‑body programming of virus-specific T cells for BCMA is largely novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SU, FANG-YI — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: SU, FANG-YI
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.