Using specific immune cells to fight tumors that lose their antigens

Tumor-specific CD8+ Tc9 cells activate host CD4+ T cells to control antigen-lost tumors

NIH-funded research Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11003288

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMethodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003288 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with tumors that have lost their antigens and are seeking innovative immunotherapy options.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Houston, 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 immunotherapycancer antigenscancer 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.