Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the parasite-host interface during liver fluke infection
Official title: Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during fluke infection
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11417274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A vaccine study aims to block cancer-causing processes in people infected with a liver fluke by targeting the parasite’s proteins that interact with the human body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2012 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $148,653 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA164719-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11417274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in regions with high Opisthorchis viverrini infection rates, particularly in Northeast Thailand and Laos, who may benefit from future vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
If the vaccine targets proteins not essential for the parasite or cancer development, some individuals may derive little or no benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on liver fluke infection in East Asia, which is strongly linked to bile duct cancer. Researchers will identify parasite proteins involved in how the parasite communicates with the host and use that information to pick vaccine targets. The team will test a multi-valent vaccine strategy designed to prevent cancer-promoting changes in the bile ducts. The work combines studying parasite biology with vaccine design to create a potential preventive therapy for people at risk. If successful, this approach could reduce both infection and cancer risk in affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could reduce liver fluke-related cancer and improve health in regions where infection is common.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that parasite-derived proteins and vesicles influence host responses; this project extends that concept toward a vaccine strategy, with related approaches showing promise in blocking infection and cancer pathways.
Where this research is happening
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George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brindley, Paul J — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Brindley, Paul J
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.