Turning tumor macrophages into cancer-killers for HER2-positive breast cancer using mRNA-filled exosomes
Engineering In Vivo Chimeric Antigen Receptor Macrophages (CARMs) using mRNA-exosomes for Cancer Immunotherapy
This project will try using tiny mRNA-filled particles to reprogram immune cells inside HER2-positive breast tumors so they can attack the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144307 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to deliver mRNA inside tiny exosome particles to program macrophages within HER2-positive breast tumors to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). This approach is designed to create cancer-killing macrophages directly in the tumor, avoiding complex cell harvesting and lab-based modification. Work will include laboratory and animal experiments to test whether these in vivo CAR macrophages increase tumor cell eating, improve antigen presentation, and stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. If successful, the team plans steps toward translating the method for human treatment at their center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HER2-positive breast cancer, especially those with solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not HER2-positive or those with hematologic (blood) cancers are unlikely to benefit from this HER2-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this could offer a new immunotherapy that reaches solid tumors and turns suppressive macrophages into cells that directly attack HER2-positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: CAR-T therapies have been successful in blood cancers and ex vivo CAR macrophages show early promise, but using mRNA-exosomes to create CAR macrophages directly inside the body is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Wen — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Wen
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.