Designing vaccines to improve immune response against pancreatic cancer
Official title: Structural modeling of neoantigen presentation for rational design of heteroclitic neoepitope vaccines
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11000287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new vaccines designed to help your immune system better recognize and fight pancreatic cancer by targeting specific changes in the cancer cells, with the hope of creating a stronger response against the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 2, 2024 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $10,701 |
| NIH project number | 5F32CA271470-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who have not been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative vaccines that target specific mutations in pancreatic cancer cells, known as neoantigens. By enhancing the way these neoantigens are presented to the immune system, the goal is to activate T cells that can effectively attack the cancer. The approach involves modifying the structure of these neoantigens to improve their recognition by immune cells, which could lead to a stronger anti-tumor response. The study aims to understand the biophysical interactions that make these modified neoantigens more effective in stimulating the immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapies for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using modified neoantigens to enhance immune responses in other cancer types, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huff, Amanda L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Huff, Amanda L
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.