Using machine learning to improve cancer immunotherapy by understanding T cell receptors
Official title: MATCHMAKERS
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11043026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how immune cells called T cells recognize cancer markers, with the goal of using this information to make cancer treatments more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $327,039 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2CA297288-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer who may benefit from targeted immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not have a suitable TCR-pMHC match may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on how T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize tumor antigens presented by MHCs, which is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for cancer. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, the project aims to create accurate predictors of TCR-antigen recognition through the integration of large datasets that include structural and functional information on TCR-pMHC pairs. The research involves collaboration among experts in immunology, structural biology, and computational methods to develop a comprehensive understanding of TCR interactions with tumor antigens. Patients may benefit from improved immunotherapy strategies that are tailored to their specific cancer profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized immunotherapy treatments for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning to enhance immunotherapy, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, David — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Baker, David
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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.