Tumor-activated antibodies that guide T cells to cancer
Tumor-site activated T cell redirecting autoantibodies
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11291296
Antibodies that switch on at the tumor site to bring a patient’s own T cells into contact with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291296 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing bispecific antibodies that bind both T cells and leukemia cells but only become active in the tumor environment. The team will create antibodies that remain inactive in healthy tissues and are triggered by conditions found in tumors so they reduce off-target effects. Laboratory and preclinical studies will test whether these tumor-activated antibodies recruit and redirect T cells to kill B-ALL cells at much lower doses than conventional antibody therapy. The goal is to develop a more targeted immune treatment that could lower side effects and improve clearance of leukemia cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), particularly those whose disease is relapsed or refractory to standard treatments, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not B-cell leukemia or whose leukemia lacks the targeted tumor markers are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a more targeted immunotherapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that uses lower doses and causes fewer systemic side effects.
How similar studies have performed: T cell-redirecting bispecific antibodies such as blinatumomab have produced remissions in B-ALL, but the tumor-activated antibody design described here is a newer approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TSOURKAS, ANDREW — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: TSOURKAS, ANDREW
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.