Cap-linker approach to direct oncolytic virus therapy to bladder and breast cancers
Official title: A novel "cap-linker" strategy to target oncolytic viruses to the tumor
Funded at University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt · NIH-11367788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new strategy aims to make oncolytic viruses more likely to reach and kill bladder and breast cancer cells in people who need better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $499,568 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303989-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with bladder or breast cancer that may benefit from targeted oncolytic virotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not responsive to virotherapy or where the delivery system is not suitable may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a cap-linker system to retarget the vesicular stomatitis virus so it preferentially infects tumor cells while reducing damage to normal tissues. The work combines molecular design, viral modification, and preclinical testing to show improved delivery of cancer-killing payloads like IL-12 to tumors. Researchers will test how well the modified virus homes to tumors and stimulates anti-tumor immune responses in relevant models. If successful, this could broaden the use of oncolytic virotherapy for MSS colorectal cancers and potentially other solid tumors, including bladder and breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a more effective and targeted virotherapy option with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous oncolytic viruses have shown promise, but delivery to tumors remains a major hurdle; this project proposes a novel cap-linker approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Kepeng — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Wang, Kepeng
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.