Understanding how natural killer cells fight leukemia
Official title: Mechanisms of NK cell activation and immune-editing of leukemia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10723689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how to make natural killer (NK) cells work better against leukemia, especially for patients whose leukemia doesn't respond to current treatments, so that we can improve therapies for people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,797 |
| NIH project number | 1K22CA282364-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who are considering or currently undergoing NK cell therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not eligible for NK cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that activate natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for targeting and eliminating leukemia cells. The principal investigator, Dr. Jennifer Foltz, aims to uncover why some patients' leukemia resists NK cell therapy, using both laboratory experiments and computational analysis. By identifying these resistance mechanisms, the research seeks to improve NK cell therapies and enhance their effectiveness in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The ultimate goal is to translate these findings into clinical applications that can benefit patients directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective NK cell therapies for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with NK cell therapies in leukemia, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Foltz-Stringfellow, Jennifer Ann — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Foltz-Stringfellow, Jennifer Ann
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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.