Why some B‑cell leukemias evade CAR T cells by changing identity
Escape from CAR T surveillance through lineage plasticity
This project looks at how some B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias change their identity to escape CD19‑targeted CAR T‑cell therapy, aiming to help patients with relapsed or refractory B‑ALL.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will examine how leukemia cells reprogram their lineage and lose B‑cell markers like CD19 after CAR T treatment. They will use patient samples, cell models, and genetic analyses to identify the molecular changes that drive this switch, focusing on subtypes such as MLL‑rearranged and BCR‑ABL leukemia. The researchers will test laboratory strategies to prevent or reverse lineage switching and to improve how long CAR T cells can control the disease. Results may guide new tests to spot emerging resistance early and inform combination treatments to reduce relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with relapsed or refractory B‑cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those treated with or eligible for CD19‑directed CAR T therapy and those with MLL‑rearranged or BCR‑ABL subtypes, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with non‑B‑cell leukemias, other cancers, or those not receiving CD19 CAR T therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to ways to predict and prevent CAR T‑therapy relapse so more patients stay in long‑term remission.
How similar studies have performed: CD19 CAR T therapy has produced high initial remission rates in B‑ALL and reports of lineage switching explain some relapses, but few prior studies have successfully prevented antigen‑negative relapse so this approach is building on emerging findings.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ernst, Patricia — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ernst, Patricia
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.