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 Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11045392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T cells, which help fight cancer, recognize specific markers on tumors, and it's using smart computer techniques to create better tools that could make cancer treatments more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $289,171 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297464-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancers who may benefit from personalized immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how T cell receptors (TCRs) identify tumor antigens presented by MHC molecules, which is crucial for enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness. By integrating advanced machine learning techniques with extensive datasets of TCR-pMHC pairs, the project aims to develop accurate predictors of TCR-antigen recognition. The research involves generating large-scale datasets from both human and mouse models, and employing molecular engineering for ultra-high throughput matching of TCRs to antigens. This comprehensive approach combines expertise in immunology, structural biology, and computational methods to improve cancer treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer patients by improving the targeting of tumor antigens.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning and structural data to enhance immunotherapy, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elledge, Stephen J — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Elledge, Stephen J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.