Targeting 3D shapes on leukemia cells to make safer AML cell therapies
Structural surfaceomics to probe conformation-selective immunotherapy targets
Researchers are creating a CAR‑T therapy that recognizes a unique three‑dimensional shape on acute myeloid leukemia cells to kill cancer while sparing healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a new technique called structural surfaceomics to map three‑dimensional conformations of proteins on cell surfaces. Scientists combine cell surface proteomics and crosslinking mass spectrometry to find conformations that appear on AML cells but not on normal cells. They validated promising targets using patient samples and engineered a CAR‑T that recognizes the active form of integrin‑β2. Preclinical tests showed strong leukemia killing with a favorable toxicity profile, and the team is advancing the CAR‑T toward further development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute myeloid leukemia, especially those with relapsed or refractory disease who are eligible for cellular immunotherapy trials, would be the likely candidates for future participation.
Not a fit: People without AML or whose leukemia does not display the targeted integrin‑β2 conformation are unlikely to benefit from this specific therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce CAR‑T treatments for AML that are more precise and cause fewer side effects than current approaches.
How similar studies have performed: CAR‑T therapies have cured some other blood cancers, but effective CAR‑T options for AML have been limited, and targeting protein conformations is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiita, Arun P. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wiita, Arun P.
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.