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Off-the-Shelf ADC-Armed NK Cells Platform for Multi-Indication Immunotherapy

Award Number: R16GM165390
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2030

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Off-the-Shelf ADC-Armed NK Cells Platform for Multi-Indication Immunotherapy - Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section PROJECT ABSTRACT This project aims to advance the field of immunotherapy by developing a universal, off-the-shelf targeted chemo-immunotherapy platform using our innovative cell surface engineering technology. This approach generates antibody-drug conjugate-armed natural killer cells (ADC-NKs), which merge the precision of ADC- mediated chemotherapy with the innate cytotoxicity and cytokine release of NK cells. The preliminary HER2- targeted proof-of-concept studies demonstrated robust, antigen-specific tumor cell killing, validating feasibility. Building on this foundation, this project is to address two critical bottlenecks: developing standardized cryopreservation protocols to maintain ADC-NK viability and cytotoxicity post-thaw, and expanding target versatility beyond HER2. Specifically, cryopreservation methods will be optimized for ADC-NKs (Aim 1), extend the platform to solid tumors by targeting Trop-2 with sacituzumab govitecan (Aim 2), and broaden applications to B-cell malignancies and autoimmune disease by arming NK cells with CD19-directed ADCs (Aim 3). The ultimate goal is to establish ADC-NK cells as a scalable, cryopreservable, and modular immunotherapy platform with wide applicability across oncology and immune-mediated diseases. As the only laboratory at the University of North Texas devoted to immunotherapy research, this project also uniquely integrates rigorous, merit-based student research training, equipping students with cutting-edge, hands-on experience in cell therapy development and advancing both scientific and educational impact, in alignment with NIH’s commitment to training the next generation of biomedical scientists.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $148,500 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS	1112 DALLAS DR STE 4000	DENTON	TX	76205	DENTON	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	8/12/2026	NEW	$148,500
														Subtotal = $148,500

Grand Total All Awards = $148,500

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Off-the-Shelf ADC-Armed NK Cells Platform for Multi-Indication Immunotherapy

Award Number: R16GM165390

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/12/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2030

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