Antibody-based therapy targeting the ELAVL4 protein in small cell lung cancer
Development of a new tool to treat small cell lung cancer
This project will develop a therapy that helps the immune system target a damaged protein (ELAVL4) found on small cell lung cancer tumors to help people with SCLC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304561 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers plan to use the abnormal isoaspartyl modification of the ELAVL4 protein — a change that naturally triggers antibodies in some SCLC patients — to create a targeted immune approach. They will test immunization strategies in a genetically engineered mouse model that closely mimics human SCLC and the anti-ELAVL4 immune response. A key goal is to boost tumor-killing antibody effects while preventing the immune system from attacking healthy neurons that also express ELAVL4. The team will refine the approach to keep the immune response focused on the tumor form of ELAVL4 and reduce dangerous off-target autoimmunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed diagnosis of small cell lung cancer whose tumors express ELAVL4 would be the most relevant candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or whose tumors do not express ELAVL4 are unlikely to benefit, and people with pre-existing autoimmune neurological conditions may be at increased risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could deliver a powerful new way to eliminate SCLC tumors by harnessing anti-ELAVL4 antibodies without causing destructive neuronal autoimmunity.
How similar studies have performed: Rare SCLC patients with spontaneous high-level anti-ELAVL4 antibodies have shown complete tumor regression and the investigators have seen promising results in mouse models, but translating that power into a safe human therapy is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Offringa, Ite a — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Offringa, Ite a
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.