AGR2-targeted vaccine for pancreatic cancer
AGR2-superantigen vaccine conjugate for the treatment of pancreaticductal adenocarcinoma
A vaccine designed to train the immune system to attack pancreatic cancer cells that carry the AGR2 protein, aimed at people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Leukogene Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops a vaccine that links the AGR2 tumor protein to a detoxified bacterial superantigen to spark a strong immune response against AGR2-expressing pancreatic cancer cells. In lab and animal work the AGR2–SMEZ-2 conjugate produced robust anti-AGR2 immune responses. The team plans to refine the vaccine formulation and collect safety and efficacy data needed to move toward human testing. If clinical testing proceeds, patients would be invited to participate at company or partner trial sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma whose tumors express AGR2 and who meet standard eligibility and safety criteria for experimental immunotherapy would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express AGR2, those with severe immune suppression, or those who are too frail for experimental treatment may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could help the immune system recognize and kill AGR2-expressing pancreatic tumors, potentially slowing disease progression and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While antigen-targeted vaccines and immunotherapies have helped some cancers, they have generally not yet succeeded in pancreatic cancer, and AGR2–superantigen conjugates remain a relatively new approach with only early promising animal data so far.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, UNITED STATES
- Leukogene Therapeutics, INC. — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Reeder Mcneil — Leukogene Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Reeder Mcneil
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.