Understanding how T cell receptors recognize tumor antigens

MATCHMAKERS: Solving T-cell receptor recognition and design via integrated high-throughput screening and structural, functional and computational approaches

NIH-funded research Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11045392

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11045392 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancers who may benefit from personalized immunotherapy approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with non-malignant conditions or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.

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 performed: 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

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.