Targeting death receptors to boost MET-CAR T cells for glioblastoma
Official title: Targeting death receptor pathways to enhance MET-CAR T cell therapy in glioblastoma
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11424532 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to make MET-CAR T cells work better against glioblastoma by using radiation to trigger death receptors on tumor cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $608,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16NS150246-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424532 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma who harbor MET overexpression or may benefit from MET-CAR T cell strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express MET or respond poorly to CAR T cell approaches may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a new approach in which MET-CAR T cells are paired with radiation to activate death receptors on glioblastoma cells, helping the CAR T cells kill both MET-positive and MET-low cells. The scientists will study how radiation changes tumor cell signals and how this affects CAR T cell activity in preclinical models. The goal is to overcome tumor resistance and improve the effectiveness of CAR T therapy in brain cancer patients. Results could inform future clinical trials for people with glioblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapy for glioblastoma and potentially improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows MET-CAR T cells can target MET-positive tumors, but combining with radiation to enhance efficacy is an emerging strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Qian — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Xie, Qian
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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.