Award
National Cancer Institute 5R01CA292664-02
Tuning KITv CAR T cells for the solid tumor environment
Recipient
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
Award Amount
$655,042.00
Ceiling
$655,042.00
Awarded
August 01, 2025
Identifier
5R01CA292664-02
This award funds research to improve CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors by targeting mesothelin and enhancing immune response through genetic modifications and combination therapies.
Description
The project focuses on advancing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for solid tumors, particularly targeting mesothelin (MSLN). It involves translating KITv CAR T cells by exploiting IFNγ-mediated cytotoxic mechanisms and adding a PD1 dominant negative receptor to counteract tumor and macrophage-mediated immunosuppression. The approach includes regional delivery, combination with anti-PD1 therapy, and engineering CAR T cells with specific costimulatory domains and checkpoint blockade features.