Antibody therapy targeting a cancer cell surface proton pump
Novel biologic therapeutics targeting vacuolar ATPase localized on plasma membrane
Developing new antibodies that stick to a proton pump on cancer cells to treat hard-to-treat, KRAS-driven tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing antibodies that bind to a protein called pmV-ATPase found on the surface of some cancer cells, especially those driven by KRAS mutations. They will use detailed 3D structural maps to find parts of the protein exposed on the cell surface and create antibodies that target those spots. Because antibodies do not enter cells, the goal is to block the cancer-specific pump without disrupting normal internal V-ATPase functions that healthy cells need. The team will test these antibodies in lab-grown cancer cells and preclinical models to check for anti-tumor effects and lower toxicity compared with existing inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with advanced or treatment-resistant tumors that are KRAS-driven or shown to have high levels of pmV-ATPase on the cell surface would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People whose tumors lack cell-surface pmV-ATPase or who have cancers not driven by the relevant mechanisms are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a more targeted cancer treatment with fewer toxic side effects than current V-ATPase inhibitors.
How similar studies have performed: Small-molecule V-ATPase inhibitors have shown anti-cancer activity but caused significant toxicity, and directly targeting pmV-ATPase with antibodies is a novel strategy that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koide, Shohei — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Koide, Shohei
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.