Developing materials to enhance cancer immunotherapy by targeting specific immune cells.
Biomaterials for Targeted Modulation of Conventional Type 1 Dendritic Cells
This study is testing a new way to boost cancer treatment by using a special material that helps activate certain immune cells to better fight tumors, making the treatment more effective and with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10918277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cancer immunotherapy by creating a new type of biomaterial that can specifically recruit and activate a subset of immune cells known as type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s). These cells play a crucial role in presenting antigens to T cells, which are essential for mounting an effective immune response against tumors. The approach involves using injectable macroporous materials that are designed to deliver immune-modulating agents directly to these dendritic cells in the lymph nodes, thereby enhancing their ability to stimulate cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. This innovative method aims to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments while minimizing side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are seeking new immunotherapy options.
Not a fit: Patients with hematological cancers or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer immunotherapies that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted immunotherapy approaches, but this specific method of using biomaterials for dendritic cell modulation is novel.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hua — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hua
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.