Using specific immune cells to fight tumors that lose their antigens
Official title: Tumor-specific CD8+ Tc9 cells activate host CD4+ T cells to control antigen-lost tumors
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11003288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special immune cells called CD8+ Tc9 cells can help other immune cells fight tumors that have changed and become harder to recognize, with the goal of making cancer treatments more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,857 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285209-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003288 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with tumors that have lost their antigens and are seeking innovative immunotherapy options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that do not exhibit antigen loss or those who are not eligible for adoptive cell therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a particular type of immune cell, known as CD8+ Tc9 cells, can activate other immune cells (CD4+ T cells) to effectively target and control tumors that have lost their identifying markers. The approach involves adoptive cell transfer, where these Tc9 cells are introduced into the body to enhance the immune response against cancer. By understanding the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to improve cancer immunotherapy strategies and potentially provide longer-lasting anti-tumor effects for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that harness the body's immune system to fight tumors more efficiently.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using adoptive cell therapy for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in immunotherapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yi, Qing — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Yi, Qing
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.