Creating new vaccines using engineered lipid nanoparticles to boost immune responses against cancer
Official title: Engineered Lipid Nanoparticles and Microgel Matrix to Program Th1/Th2 Immune Response
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11082833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of cancer vaccine that uses tiny particles to help your immune system fight cancer better, and it's designed for people who want to learn about innovative treatments for cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 25, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,781 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293906-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with advanced cancer who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations that can stimulate specific immune responses to fight cancer. By utilizing a machine learning platform, the team aims to create LNPs that can effectively activate Type 1 and Type 2 T helper cells, which are crucial for a robust immune response. Additionally, the study will engineer microgels that serve as an immunostimulatory environment to enhance the delivery of these nanoparticles to immune cells in the body. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of this new vaccine approach in animal models of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer vaccines that enhance the body's immune response to tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines, particularly in the context of COVID-19, indicating potential for success in cancer applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Hai-Quan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Hai-Quan
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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.