Using biomaterials and genetic tools to enhance immune cell responses against cancer
Official title: Integrating biomaterials and genomic tools for glycan-based programming of immune cells
Funded at Columbia Univ New York Morningside · NIH-11071622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain sugars can help train immune cells to fight cancer better, using special materials that show these sugars to see how they can boost the immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32EB036927-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who may benefit from improved immunotherapy strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific sugars, known as glycans, can influence the behavior of immune cells, particularly dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response. By developing advanced biomaterials that can present these glycans, the researchers aim to program immune cells to respond more effectively to cancer. The approach involves creating hydrogels that can display different glycan patterns and testing their effects on immune cell activation and function. This innovative methodology combines biology and engineering to potentially improve cancer immunotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by enhancing the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomaterials and glycan manipulation to enhance immune responses, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia Univ New York Morningside
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hincapie, Robert — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Hincapie, Robert
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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.