Using engineered T cells to treat a severe skin disease
Official title: Engineered gamma delta T cells for systemic correction of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Funded at Kommodo Therapeutics LLC · NIH-10919924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) by using specially modified immune cells to help produce a protein that keeps skin healthy, aiming to improve healing and reduce blistering.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kommodo Therapeutics LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shireview, United States) |
| Project start | August 22, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $313,370 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AR083760-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10919924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who experience severe blistering and skin damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of epidermolysis bullosa or those who do not have the COL7A1 gene mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new cellular therapy for patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a condition that causes severe blistering and skin damage due to mutations in the COL7A1 gene. The approach involves engineering gamma delta T cells to produce collagen type VII, which is essential for skin integrity. By utilizing a non-viral transposon platform, the researchers aim to enhance the ability of these T cells to migrate to and persist in skin and mucosal tissues, potentially providing a more effective treatment option. This innovative method seeks to address the limitations of current therapies that do not fully resolve the disease's symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly improves the quality of life for patients with RDEB by reducing blistering and promoting skin healing.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of engineered T cells is a novel approach in this context, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of cell therapy, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Kommodo Therapeutics LLC
Shireview, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirkey-Son, Nicole J. — Kommodo Therapeutics LLC
- Study coordinator: Shirkey-Son, Nicole 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.