Understanding and improving the longevity of CAR T cells in cancer treatment
Official title: Deciphering and modulating CAR T cell persistence with controllable epigenome editors
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10822418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help CAR T cells, which are special immune cells used to fight cancer, stay strong and effective for a longer time, so that patients can have better results from their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA281040-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822418 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing CAR T cell therapy for cancer who may benefit from improved treatment durability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving CAR T cell therapy or those with conditions not related to cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the persistence of CAR T cells, which are a type of immune cell used in cancer therapy. It focuses on identifying specific genes that contribute to CAR T cell exhaustion, a condition where these cells lose their effectiveness over time due to continuous stimulation by tumor antigens. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to control gene activation, the study aims to develop strategies that can help CAR T cells remain active longer in the body, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective CAR T cell therapies that provide longer-lasting responses in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing CAR T cell effectiveness through genetic modifications, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erlitzki, Noa — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Erlitzki, Noa
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.