AAV vaccine for oral melanoma
Development of novel AAV vaccine strategy in a pre-clinical model of oral melanoma.
A gene-based AAV vaccine aims to boost immune responses against oral melanoma in companion dogs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231734 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops new adeno-associated virus (AAV) vaccines to teach the immune system to recognize and attack oral melanoma. Researchers are changing AAV capsids and the vaccine cassette to improve how dendritic cells process and present tumor antigens. They will produce optimized AAV vectors and test safety and anti-tumor effects in companion dogs with oral melanoma. The preclinical work is being done through the University of Minnesota veterinary oncology program.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are companion dogs diagnosed with oral melanoma whose owners can bring them to the University of Minnesota veterinary center for treatment and follow-up.
Not a fit: Dogs with other cancer types or widespread metastatic disease, and people expecting direct human treatment benefits from this preclinical canine work, may not receive benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could strengthen anti-tumor immunity and offer a new treatment option for dogs with oral melanoma and inform future human therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related AAV-based vaccine approaches have shown promising immune responses in laboratory and early veterinary work, but the strategy remains relatively novel and unproven in human cancer care.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aslanidi, George V — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Aslanidi, George V
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.