Tumor-fighting NK cells that target glioblastoma
Official title: Tumor-responsive, multispecific natural killer cells to reprogram glioblastoma for improved immunotherapy
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11344882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team is testing engineered natural killer (NK) cells to better home in on and kill glioblastoma tumors in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $652,165 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA312014-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or similar brain tumors may be candidates for future trials once safety and efficacy are established.
✕Less likely to help
Initial animal studies may not directly benefit patients.
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a deadly brain cancer with poor treatment options. This project looks at combining autophagy inhibition in tumors with adoptive transfer of multifunctional, engineered NK cells to boost their attack on GBM. Researchers will study how blocking autophagy changes the tumor environment to attract NK cells and make them more effective. The work will use animal models to understand mechanisms before translating to human studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve NK cell delivery to GBM and enhance anti-tumor responses, potentially extending survival.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest NK cells can influence GBM outcomes, but this specific combination is being explored further.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Matosevic, Sandro — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Matosevic, Sandro
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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.