Using engineered immune cells to fight solid tumors
Official title: Targeting off-the-shelf iPSC-derived natural killer cells against solid tumors
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10884329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses special immune cells made from stem cells to help fight tough solid tumors in patients with advanced cancer, offering a hopeful option for those who haven't had success with other therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $882,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R35CA283892-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients diagnosed with advanced solid tumors, particularly those expressing the HLA-E molecule.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those whose tumors do not express the targeted markers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of immunotherapy using natural killer (NK) cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to target solid tumors. The approach leverages the unique properties of NK cells that have been shown to be effective against cancer, particularly those that have been activated by cytomegalovirus (CMV). By creating a platform that allows for extensive genetic modifications of these NK cells, the research aims to enhance their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment as it could provide a new option for those with advanced cancers that are difficult to treat with existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients with advanced solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using NK cell therapies, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Jeffrey S. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Miller, Jeffrey S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pediatric Preclinical In Vivo Testing Center for Pediatric Sarcoma and Other Solid Tumors
A program uses mouse tumor models to identify promising drug candidates for children with sarcoma and other solid tumors.
-
Engineered CAR T immune cells targeting GPC3 for children's solid tumors
Engineered CAR T immune cells that produce IL-15 and IL-21 to better find and fight GPC3-positive solid tumors in children.
-
Boosting CAR T cell power in solid tumors by turning on transcription factors
A new research project tests whether turning on specific human transcription factors can make CAR T cells work better against solid tumors.
-
Engineering CD19 mimotopes to boost and broaden CD19-CAR T cell therapy
A patient-focused look at improving existing CD19-CAR T cell therapy so more people with blood cancers might benefit.
-
Radio-triggered CAR-T cells to better control solid tumors
A new approach uses radiation to turn on and guide CAR-T cells to fight solid tumors more effectively, potentially improving local and distant tumor control for patients with cancer.
-
Understanding how cell behavior changes drive breast cancer in 3D cultures
Researchers are studying how breast cells transition toward cancer using advanced 3D cultures and patient-derived samples to uncover important cell-state changes.
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.