Understanding how T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia avoids the immune system and finding new treatments.
Official title: Mechanisms of immune evasion in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its therapeutic implications
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11229540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) manages to hide from the immune system, which makes it tough to treat, especially when it comes back, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve treatments for patients like you by understanding how leukemia cells interact with immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $238,971 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA249185-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11229540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those with relapsed or treatment-refractory disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not diagnosed with T-ALL may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ways in which T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) can evade the immune system, making it difficult to treat, especially when it relapses. By analyzing the interactions between leukemia cells and immune cells using advanced single cell sequencing technologies, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that lead to T-cell dysfunction and to develop strategies to overcome this immune evasion, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with T-ALL.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for T-ALL, particularly for patients whose disease has not responded to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting immune evasion in solid tumors, suggesting that similar approaches may be effective in T-ALL, although this specific area is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knoechel, Birgit — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Knoechel, Birgit
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Caregiver-led mobile tool to support healthy habits for kids treated for ALL
A caregiver-directed mobile program helps children who were treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia build healthier daily routines.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across global populations
A wide-ranging study looks at how inherited genetics influence the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia around the world.
-
Genomics of childhood ALL across diverse populations
A large international study will look at why children everywhere get acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how genetics may influence risk.
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Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
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Understanding why Latino children have a higher risk of childhood ALL
This project looks at why Latino children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia and whether genetic ancestry plays a role, with the goal of improving prevention and outcomes.
-
Targeting obesity to improve survival for children with ALL
A new approach explores whether reducing obesity-related factors can make chemotherapy work better for kids with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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.