Using engineered immune cells to treat eye inflammation
Official title: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs for treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11075883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to treat autoimmune uveitis, an eye condition that causes inflammation, by using specially designed immune cells to help calm down the inflammation without the harsh side effects of steroids, and it's for people looking for a better treatment option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $251,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY036212-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autoimmune uveitis who have not responded well to conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune related eye conditions or those who do not have uveitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment for ocular inflammatory diseases, specifically autoimmune uveitis, by using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T regulatory cells. These engineered immune cells aim to suppress inflammation without the severe side effects associated with traditional corticosteroid treatments. The approach focuses on enhancing the body's own regulatory T cells to achieve long-lasting remission from the disease. Patients will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of this innovative therapy in reducing ocular inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from autoimmune uveitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using CAR T cells for autoimmune diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach in ocular conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Darren James — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Lee, Darren James
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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.