Tc9 immune cells that activate helper CD4 T cells to control tumors that lose their targets
Tumor-specific CD8+ Tc9 cells activate host CD4+ T cells to control antigen-lost tumors
This project looks at whether a special kind of cancer-fighting T cell called Tc9 can boost people's own CD4 helper T cells to stop tumors that escape by losing their target, aiming for better long-term control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare two types of tumor-killing CD8 T cells (Tc9 versus Tc1) in lab and mouse tumor models to see which produces more durable control. They re-challenge tumors that have lost the original antigen to observe whether Tc9 treatment provokes a broader host immune response. The team measures increases in host CD4+ T cells and markers like IFNγ and granzyme B and tests whether those CD4 cells can kill relapsed or antigen-loss tumor cells. Results are intended to point toward ways to make adoptive T-cell therapies less likely to fail when tumors change.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People eligible for adoptive T-cell therapies (for example CAR-T or tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte approaches), especially those at risk of relapse from antigen-loss tumors, are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are unlikely to respond to T-cell based approaches or who are not candidates for adoptive cellular therapies may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to adoptive T-cell therapies that better prevent relapse by mobilizing a broader immune attack against tumors that lose their original targets.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in mice have shown Tc9 cells can produce stronger, longer-lasting tumor control than classical Tc1 cells, but the mechanism and translation to humans remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Qing — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yi, Qing
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.