Using engineered macrophages to target triple-negative breast cancer
Rac-enhanced Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Macrophage (Race-CAR-M) Immunotherapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
This study is exploring a new way to treat triple-negative breast cancer by using specially modified immune cells called macrophages to better find and destroy cancer cells, which could lead to improved outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new immunotherapy approach for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by engineering macrophages to express a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) that targets specific cancer cell antigens. The study aims to enhance the ability of these CAR-Macrophages to infiltrate tumors and effectively eliminate cancer cells. By activating a specific protein (Rac2) within these macrophages, the researchers hope to improve their tumor-targeting and phagocytic capabilities, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who have limited treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and more effective treatment option for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While CAR-T therapies have shown success in hematologic cancers, the application of CAR-M therapies in solid tumors like TNBC is still being explored and represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Santa Barbara, United States
- University of California Santa Barbara — Santa Barbara, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montell, Denise J. — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Montell, Denise J.
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 below.