A new treatment using nanobodies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for dogs and humans
Official title: A novel nanobody-based agonist-redirected checkpoint (ARC) molecule, aPD1-Fc-OX40L, for cancer immunotherapy
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10580259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $449,910 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA277677-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include pet dogs diagnosed with oral malignant melanoma and potentially human patients with similar cancer types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that are not responsive to immunotherapy or those without oral malignant melanoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sandey, Maninder — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Sandey, Maninder
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.