Using virus-specific immune cells to fight solid tumors

Therapeutically harnessing anti-viral resident memory T cells in solid tumors

['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11003968

This study is exploring how special immune cells that usually help fight viruses can be trained to attack solid tumors, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to improve cancer treatment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11003968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how resident memory T cells, which are typically involved in fighting viral infections, can be harnessed to combat solid tumors. The approach involves treating these immune cells with viral peptides to enhance their ability to attack tumor cells, potentially overcoming the challenges posed by the tumor environment. By studying both mouse models and human systems, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind tumor cell killing and how to effectively reactivate these immune cells for therapeutic use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who may benefit from enhanced immune responses against their cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not involve viral components or those who are not responsive to immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy treatments that improve outcomes for patients with solid tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in utilizing immune cells for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in immunotherapy.

Where this research is happening

HANOVER, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer immunotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.