Targeting cancer cells with a special immune therapy
Bispecific T cell engager targeting a highly specific tumor cell surface antigen
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11110376
This project aims to create a new immune therapy that specifically finds and destroys certain cancer cells, like those found in mesothelioma, ovarian, lung, and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11110376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers have found a unique marker, called ALPPL2, that appears on several types of cancer cells but not on most healthy tissues, making it an excellent target for a very precise cancer treatment. They are developing a special type of immune therapy, called a bispecific T cell engager, which acts like a bridge to bring the body's own T cells (immune cells) directly to the cancer cells marked with ALPPL2. The goal is to design this therapy to be highly effective at killing cancer cells while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues. They are carefully designing the therapy's structure and how it activates T cells to achieve the best balance of safety and effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that express the ALPPL2 marker, such as mesothelioma, ovarian, lung, gastric, pancreatic, endometrioma, and testicular cancer, would be the ideal candidates for this type of therapy.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not express the ALPPL2 marker would likely not benefit from this specific targeted therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a highly targeted treatment option for patients with ALPPL2-positive cancers, potentially leading to more effective tumor destruction with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Bispecific T cell engagers are a known class of therapies, and while this specific target and engineering approach are novel, the general concept has shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIU, BIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: LIU, BIN
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.