Finding new targets for vaccines in head and neck cancer
Official title: Identification of splice variant derived neo-antigens in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as targets for tumor vaccine therapy
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10887314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for special proteins made by head and neck cancer cells that can help your immune system fight the cancer better, with the goal of creating vaccines that work alongside current treatments to improve your care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,417 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA276999-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage head and neck cancer or those not diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying unique proteins produced by cancer cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that can trigger an immune response. By studying how these proteins are formed through a process called alternative splicing, the researchers aim to develop vaccines that enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. The study will use advanced computational methods to predict these proteins and test their ability to stimulate an immune response in laboratory models and eventually in patients. This approach could lead to more personalized and effective cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of vaccines that significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neoantigens for cancer vaccines, indicating that this approach could be a viable strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Theresa — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Guo, Theresa
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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.