Creating vaccines to target cancer-specific proteins

Engineered Vaccines for Neoantigen Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-10894059

This study is testing a new vaccine that uses tiny particles to help your immune system better recognize and fight cancer by targeting specific proteins, and it’s designed for people with solid tumors who are looking for new treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10894059 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of vaccine designed to enhance the immune response against cancer by targeting specific proteins called neoantigens. The approach utilizes engineered nanoparticles that can deliver both the neoantigens and immune-stimulating agents directly to immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, which are crucial for attacking tumors. By improving the effectiveness of these immune cells, the goal is to increase their ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Patients may benefit from this innovative immunotherapy, which aims to improve outcomes for those with solid tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who have not responded well to existing immunotherapies.

Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those who do not have identifiable neoantigens may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer vaccines that significantly improve patient responses to treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using nanoparticle-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy, indicating potential for success with this approach.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.