# Investigating a Novel Inhibitory Receptor in Regulating CAR-T Cell Persistence and Function

> **NIH NIH R21** · CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU · 2024 · $413,971

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cell therapy is a breakthrough immunotherapy for lymphoma.
Nevertheless, 40-60% of responding patients relapse, in part due to the poor persistence of CAR-T cells. In
this regard, our preliminary studies have identified the role of an inhibitory receptor that functions to restrict the
expansion and persistence of T cells. This proposal will test the hypothesis that similar to natural T cells, CAR-
T cells were also controlled by this inhibitory axis: in Aim 1, we will examine the causal role of this receptor axis
in impairing the therapeutic efficacy of murine CAR-T cells. In Aim 2, we will examine the expression of this
inhibitory receptor in human CAR-T cells and test effects of blocking this receptor in augmenting CAR-T
function. Together, these studies will guide future studies to develop potent therapeutics for improving the
clinical efficacies of CAR-T therapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10947466
- **Project number:** 1R21CA286304-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CLEVELAND CLINIC LERNER COM-CWRU
- **Principal Investigator:** Li Lily Wang
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $413,971
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-08 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10947466

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10947466, Investigating a Novel Inhibitory Receptor in Regulating CAR-T Cell Persistence and Function (1R21CA286304-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10947466. Licensed CC0.

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