A new treatment using nanobodies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for dogs and humans

A novel nanobody-based agonist-redirected checkpoint (ARC) molecule, aPD1-Fc-OX40L, for cancer immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10580259

This study is testing a new treatment for dogs with oral malignant melanoma that aims to boost their immune system's ability to fight cancer, and the results could also help improve cancer treatments for people in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAuburn University at Auburn NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10580259 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel nanobody-based treatment designed to improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by targeting specific immune pathways. The approach combines immune checkpoint blockade with the activation of tumor necrosis factor receptors to enhance the immune response against tumors. The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in pet dogs with oral malignant melanoma, with the potential to translate findings to human cancer patients. Patients will be monitored for their immune response and any side effects during the clinical trial.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include pet dogs diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma and potentially human patients with similar cancer types.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not responsive to immunotherapy or those without oral malignant melanoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments for both dogs and humans, improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar nanobody-based approaches to enhance cancer immunotherapy, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Auburn, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.