Why CAR T-cell treatment can cause brain and nervous-system side effects
Unraveling the Pathophysiology of Neurotoxicity Induced by CAR T-cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11137696
This project aims to find out why CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy can cause harmful neurological symptoms in people treated for B-cell leukemias and lymphomas.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the research uses a specially engineered mouse that carries human CD19 on its B cells and receives CAR T-cells like those given to patients, so the team can reproduce the same neurological side effects seen in people. By watching how immune cells, brain cells (including astrocytes), and blood–brain interactions change in this model, researchers hope to map the sequence of events that leads to neurotoxicity. The work includes detailed immune and brain tissue analyses to identify molecules or pathways that trigger symptoms. Results are intended to point to targets for preventing or treating these side effects in future human studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with B-cell leukemia or lymphoma who are receiving or considering CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy, or patients willing to contribute clinical samples to related research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without B-cell malignancies or those receiving non-CD19 therapies are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify ways to prevent or better treat the serious neurological side effects of CAR T-cell therapy, making the treatment safer for patients with B-cell cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Clinical reports have documented CAR T-related neurotoxicity and some inflammation-directed treatments help systemic reactions, but the use of a humanized mouse model to pinpoint neurotoxicity mechanisms is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PENNELL, CHRISTOPHER A — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: PENNELL, CHRISTOPHER A
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.