CMV peptide vaccine for pediatric and recurrent brain tumors
Expanding CMV peptide vaccine with novel combinations and pathologies
['FUNDING_R03'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11176925
Testing new combinations of a CMV-targeting peptide vaccine to boost immune responses in children and adults with high-grade or recurrent brain tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176925 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds on a peptide vaccine that trains the immune system to recognize a CMV protein (pp65) often found in high-grade pediatric and adult brain tumors. The team will create and test new peptide combinations and explore how the vaccine works across different tumor types, including gliomas, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma. Work will include testing immune responses and examining tumor samples to see which tumors express the CMV target. The goal is to find combinations that produce stronger, longer-lasting immune attacks against CMV-positive tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients—especially children and adults—with recurrent or high-grade gliomas, diffuse midline gliomas, medulloblastoma, or ependymoma whose tumors express the CMV pp65 antigen would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express CMV antigens or who are otherwise ineligible for vaccine-based approaches may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to vaccine approaches that strengthen immune responses against CMV-positive brain tumors and potentially slow tumor growth or extend survival.
How similar studies have performed: Early phase 1 results of the PEP-CMV peptide vaccine showed antigen-specific T cell responses and prolonged clinical or imaging responses in some patients, but larger confirmatory trials are still needed.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: THOMPSON, ERIC — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: THOMPSON, ERIC
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.