Canine osteosarcoma immunity boost from hyperactivated dendritic cells
Official title: Generation of tumor specific immunity in canine osteosarcoma through dendritic cell hyperactivation
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11404979 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests a way to spark a strong anti-tumor immune response in dogs with bone cancer using highly activated immune cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $560,520 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA272268-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404979 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma that can participate in a controlled research setting and tolerate study procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Dogs not meeting inclusion criteria or experiencing adverse events may not benefit from the intervention.
What this research studies
Researchers will use a dog model of osteosarcoma to test whether dendritic cells that are hyperactivated can better prime T cells to fight cancer. The approach builds on prior mouse data where a DC hyperactivation state helped tumor rejection when combined with a vaccine adjuvant and a special lipid component. By using spontaneous canine tumors, the study aims to closely mirror human cancer immune environments and validate this strategy as a foundation for robust anti-tumor immunity. The project will involve delivering DC-based stimuli and monitoring immune responses and tumor outcomes in dogs under controlled conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could pave the way for new cancer immunotherapies that work even when tumors have low mutation burdens.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical mouse data showed improved T cell responses and tumor rejection with DC hyperactivation and specific adjuvant combinations, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: London, Cheryl a — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: London, Cheryl a
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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.