Developing nanoparticles to enhance immune response against brain cancer
Official title: Engineering RIG-I Activating Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11196699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help fight glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, by using tiny particles to deliver a special RNA that can boost the immune system's ability to attack the tumor, and it's being tested in mice to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32CA288044-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11196699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a challenging form of brain cancer with a very low survival rate. The approach involves engineering nanoparticles that can deliver a specific RNA molecule to activate the immune system's response against the tumor. By targeting a receptor known as RIG-I, the therapy aims to improve T cell infiltration into the tumor, which is crucial for effective treatment. The study will utilize advanced biomaterials to ensure the RNA is effectively delivered to the cancer cells in mouse models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel immunotherapy that significantly improves treatment outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: While RIG-I activation has shown promise in other solid tumors, this specific approach for glioblastoma is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwiatkowski, Alexander — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Kwiatkowski, Alexander
Related research
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This project tests whether blocking Wnt signaling together with PD‑1 immunotherapy can help people with glioblastoma by reducing immune‑suppressing cells and increasing tumor‑fighting immune cells.
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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.