A plant virus vaccine for breast cancer
Toward translation of a plant virus-based in situ vaccination nanotechnology
This research explores a new vaccine made from a plant virus to help the body fight breast cancer and prevent it from coming back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a unique vaccine from a plant virus, called cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), which is injected directly into tumors. This vaccine works by waking up your body's own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, not just in the treated tumor but also in other untreated tumors. The goal is to create a lasting immune memory that can protect against cancer recurrence. This approach has shown promising results in laboratory models and in companion dogs with various cancers, including breast cancer. The current work focuses on preparing this treatment for future human studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is ultimately aimed at patients with breast cancer who might benefit from an immunotherapy that targets both existing tumors and prevents future recurrence.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not respond to immune-based therapies or who have conditions that prevent immune system activation may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to treat breast cancer by boosting the body's natural defenses, potentially leading to long-lasting remission and protection from recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work with this plant virus vaccine has shown promising anti-tumor effects in mouse models and in companion dogs with various cancers, including breast cancer.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska
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 below.