Using specially designed immune cells to fight solid tumors
Targeting off-the-shelf iPSC-derived natural killer cells against solid tumors
This research aims to create powerful, ready-to-use immune cells from stem cells to target and destroy advanced solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have natural killer (NK) cells, a type of immune cell that can fight cancer. This project focuses on developing a new kind of NK cell therapy using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are special cells that can be grown into many different cell types. We are designing these iPSC-derived NK cells to be even more effective at recognizing and attacking solid tumors, similar to how certain NK cells respond after a common viral infection. The goal is to create a supply of these powerful immune cells that can be used for many patients with advanced cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with advanced solid tumors, including those in the brain, who may have limited treatment options could potentially benefit from future clinical applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers or those whose tumors are not solid might not directly benefit from this specific type of immune cell therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new and more effective immunotherapy option for patients with advanced solid tumors, including brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: The researcher has a long history of leading clinical efforts in NK cell immunotherapy, and this work builds upon their established iPSC-derived NK cell platform, which has shown promising lab results.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Jeffrey S. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Miller, Jeffrey S.
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 below.