Tracking genetically modified immune cells in patients
Official title: Genetically-encoded molecular imaging of genome-edited immune cells
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10803318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on better ways to track specially modified immune cells in real-time after they are given back to patients, which could help improve treatments for conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $497,870 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA279962-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10803318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing adoptive cell transfer therapies for conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving adoptive cell transfer therapies or those with conditions not targeted by this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving adoptive cell transfer therapies by developing new methods to track genetically engineered immune cells in real-time. By using advanced molecular imaging techniques, the study aims to monitor the distribution and survival of these cells after they are reinfused into patients. The approach involves creating new imaging agents that can be used in non-invasive procedures, allowing for better understanding of how these modified cells behave in the body. This could lead to more effective treatments for various conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of cell-based therapies by providing real-time insights into how well these treatments are working.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using molecular imaging techniques for tracking cell therapies, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotagiri, Nalinikanth — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Kotagiri, Nalinikanth
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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.