Understanding how CAR T cells get activated and work
Official title: Signaling mechanisms in activation of chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11433729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A proposed study at Purdue University looks at how CAR T cells activate at the cell surface and what makes them powerful or cause side effects, with the goal of making CAR T therapies safer and more effective for patients.
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 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $498,154 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201579-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11433729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers or autoimmune diseases being targeted by CAR T therapies could benefit from improved safety and effectiveness.
✕Less likely to help
If CAR T technology advances slowly or results do not translate to clinical improvements, patients may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will examine the signals at the surface of CAR T cells that trigger their killing function, using precise, single-molecule and single-cell analyses. Researchers will compare how the CAR and the natural TCR interact and influence activation, aiming to identify ways to control potency and reduce off-target effects. The work involves laboratory experiments with biologic models and bioassays to map activation mechanisms and test targeted perturbations. If successful, these insights could guide the design of safer CAR T therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The study spans five years and is led by Shalini Therese Low-Nam at Purdue University.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better-designed CAR T therapies with fewer toxicities could improve outcomes for cancer and autoimmune patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown that CAR T activation is influenced by interactions with the TCR; this project builds on those findings to translate mechanistic insights into better therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Low-Nam, Shalini Therese — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Low-Nam, Shalini Therese
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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.