Using virus-specific immune cells to fight solid tumors

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

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-11210729

This study is looking at how special immune cells that remember past viral infections can be used to help fight cancer by boosting the body’s ability to attack tumors, and it aims to create a new treatment that could improve outcomes for cancer patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11210729 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how resident memory T cells, which are specific to viral infections, can be utilized to enhance anti-tumor immunity in solid tumors. The approach involves reactivating these immune cells with viral peptides to overcome the immunosuppressive environment of tumors. By understanding the mechanisms of tumor cell killing and the role of viral specificity, the research aims to develop a novel immunotherapy that could improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The study will utilize both mouse models and human systems to explore these innovative therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who have a history of viral infections or are currently infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Not a fit: Patients with tumors that do not involve viral infections or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new immunotherapy options that significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in leveraging immune cells for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a meaningful advancement 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.
Conditions anti-cancer immunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.