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Based on progress to date, Dr. Huerta was awarded a new grant in 2020 to fund an additional year of this Fellow award. Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in childhood, and 20% of childhood leukemia has a myeloid origin. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is treated with intensive chemotherapy as standard of care. Unfortunately, despite chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, the prognosis of a child with recurrent or refractory AML remains poor. T cells are part of our immune system, and when properly manipulated, can be highly effective in eradicating chemo-resistant tumor cells. Engager (ENG) T cells are genetically engineered T cells that are capable of binding specific target on AML cells and at the same time "engaging" neighboring T cells to mount an immune response and kill cancer cells. As the JJ's Angels Hero Fund St. Baldrick's Fellow, Dr. Huerta is investigating the mechanisms by which AML cells can be killed by this novel immunotherapy technique.

This grant is named for the JJ's Angels Hero Fund which honors the memory of Juliana LaMonica and her courageous battle with AML. Diagnosed at the age of two, Juliana underwent a bone marrow transplant but passed away shortly after turning three. Her sweet spirit and charismatic personality continue to inspire people to support the funding of pediatric cancer research through Team JJ’s Angels.