This $1,271,780 Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute (CFDA 93.395 - Cancer Treatment Research) supports the University of Pittsburgh's research to develop small molecule "adaptor" drugs that can precisely control the activity of universal chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. The key products or services being delivered through this five-year grant include:
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Developing small molecule adaptors that can target universal CAR T cells to multiple tumor-associated antigens, including combinations that can target both tumor cells and immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Enhancing the targeting specificity of universal CAR T cells through chemical "switches" that respond to unique enzymes or characteristics in diseased tissues, particularly solid tumors.
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Expanding the antigen targeting capabilities of universal CAR T cells to recognize neoantigens generated from intracellular oncogene products displayed on tumor cell surfaces.
The goal is to improve the accessibility and patient outcomes of CAR T cell therapies by enhancing the specificity and breadth of tumor targeting through this innovative small molecule control approach. The strategies developed under this award could also be applicable to other universal receptor technologies across different disease areas.
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