Understanding how T cell receptors recognize tumor antigens
Official title: MATCHMAKERS - Solving TCR recognition and design via integrated high-throughput screening, structural, functional, and computational approaches
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11047204 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how T cells recognize cancer markers to help make immunotherapy treatments more effective, and it aims to create better ways to predict how these T cells will respond to different tumors, which could lead to more personalized and successful treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,155 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297575-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047204 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 targeted immunotherapy.
✕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 leveraging advanced machine learning techniques and extensive datasets of TCR-pMHC pairs, the project aims to develop accurate predictors for TCR-antigen recognition. The research involves collaboration among experts in immunology, structural biology, and computational methods to create a comprehensive understanding of TCR interactions. Patients may benefit from improved immunotherapy strategies tailored to their specific tumor profiles.
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 to enhance immunotherapy, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sgourakis, Nikolaos — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Sgourakis, Nikolaos
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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.