Using mast cells to target solid tumors
Official title: CAR mast cell for solid tumor
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11023047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to improve cancer treatment by using special immune cells called mast cells to help target and destroy solid tumors like melanoma and colon cancer, which could lead to better outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 2, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,646 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286364-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include patients diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly melanoma or colon cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with blood cancers or those who do not have solid tumors may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance cancer treatment by utilizing mast cells as carriers for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) therapies. The study focuses on designing CARs that activate mast cells to specifically target and kill solid tumors, such as melanoma and colon cancer. By leveraging the unique properties of mast cells, which can persist in tumor environments and recruit other immune cells, the research aims to overcome the limitations of traditional CAR-T therapies in solid tumors. Patients may benefit from this innovative strategy that could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new and effective treatment option for patients with solid tumors that are currently difficult to treat.
How similar studies have gone: While CAR-T therapies have shown success in treating blood cancers, this approach using mast cells for solid tumors is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Xiaolei — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Su, Xiaolei
Related research
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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.