Understanding how T cell receptors recognize tumor antigens
Official title: MATCHMAKERS - Solving T-cell receptor recognition and design via integrated high-throughput screening and structural, functional and computational approaches
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11043974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our immune system's T cells recognize cancer cells, and it's using smart computer tools to help find better ways to match T cells with the right cancer targets, which could lead to improved treatments for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,333 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297383-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific types of cancer who may benefit from T cell-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not eligible for T cell therapies may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how T cell receptors (TCRs) identify tumor antigens presented by major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs). By combining machine learning with extensive data on TCR-pMHC pairs, the project aims to develop accurate predictors of TCR-antigen recognition. The research involves generating large datasets from both human and mouse models, and utilizing advanced molecular engineering techniques to enhance TCR matching. This integrated approach seeks to improve antigen-specific immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized immunotherapies for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning and structural biology to enhance T cell therapies, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruno, Peter Michael — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bruno, Peter Michael
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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.