# A high-throughput nanoparticle assay to characterize cancer neoepitope-specific T cells

> **NIH NIH R33** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $400,511

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The application of immunotherapy to cancer has yielded impressive and inspiring results. However, these
results seem to only apply to a subset of patients. Many practitioners and researchers are aiming to discover
why there are differential responses from patients. Yet existing techniques to characterize cancer do not focus
on the immune response itself. Therefore, we aim to fill this gap with a technology that directly characterizes
the cancer in terms of its immune response. To do this, we will use a core technology, developed in our labs,
that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles to enrich and activate cancer targeting CD8+ T cells to detectable and,
potentially even, therapeutic levels. Specifically, we will look for neoepitopes—epitopes generated by the
mutations of the cancer itself that can generate an immune response. We have demonstrated feasibility of this
approach within both murine and human contexts; however, we have yet to develop the assay into a high-
throughput approach that covers a broad heterogenous human population. To do so, we will first engineer the
magnetic nanoparticles, called artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) because they have both an antigen-
loaded human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and co-stimulatory molecules on their surface. Engineering parameters
will include size, ligand density, and ligand choice. Furthermore, we will extend output by developing a 96-well
plate high-throughput version of the assay. We will also broaden the reach of this technology by developing
aAPCs for additional class I HLA alleles and also for an aAPC for CD4+ T cell stimulation. Finally, through our
collaborative efforts with Dr. Jeff Weber at NYU, we will validate the technology by measuring and detecting
neoepitopes from stage IV melanoma patients. We will assess how treatment affects the immune response to
the tumor by probing before and after checkpoint blockade therapy. This technology will fill the gap of providing
an immunological characterization of cancer in both murine models and critically in patients with cancer. This
representation will shape both how therapy is delivered and how the next generation of therapies are
developed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10137197
- **Project number:** 5R33CA229042-03
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JONATHAN P SCHNECK
- **Activity code:** R33 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $400,511
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10137197

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10137197, A high-throughput nanoparticle assay to characterize cancer neoepitope-specific T cells (5R33CA229042-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10137197. Licensed CC0.

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