Using modified T-cells to improve cancer treatment

TNF-alpha-"armed" TCR vectors to enhance adoptive cell therapy for solid tumors

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11129549

This study is looking at a new way to make cancer treatments work better by helping special immune cells called T-cells fight tumors more effectively, which could give patients a more targeted and powerful option for their specific type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129549 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new approach to cancer immunotherapy by enhancing T-cells with a special vector that increases their ability to secrete tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). The goal is to improve the effectiveness of T-cell therapies for solid tumors, which often have limited success. By combining TNF-alpha with tumor-specific T-cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors, the researchers aim to boost the anti-tumor response while minimizing side effects. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that targets their specific cancer type.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who have not responded well to conventional T-cell therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those who are not eligible for T-cell therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in enhancing T-cell therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapyanti-cancer therapyanticancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.