Using engineered T cells to target harmful B cells in a serious blood disorder
Official title: Selective B Cell Depletion Using Engineered T Cells As A Curative Treatment For Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11103506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) by using specially designed T cells to target and remove the harmful B cells that cause the condition, with the hope of reducing relapses and improving health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $810,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL178849-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura who have not responded adequately to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura or those with other unrelated blood disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a condition called immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), which is caused by autoantibodies that disrupt normal blood clotting. The approach involves using engineered T cells to selectively deplete harmful B cells that produce these autoantibodies, potentially offering a more effective and lasting treatment compared to current therapies. Patients will be monitored for their response to this innovative treatment, which aims to reduce relapses and improve overall health outcomes. The study will explore the safety and efficacy of this method in a clinical setting.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a curative treatment option for patients suffering from iTTP, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered T cells for treating other autoimmune diseases, indicating potential success for this novel approach in iTTP.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhoj, Vijay — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Bhoj, Vijay
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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.