Helping virus-based treatments work better for brain tumors by targeting the Nono pathway
Examining the Role of Nono Pathway on the Innate Immunity Against Oncolytic Adenoviruses
The team is trying to help therapeutic viruses stay longer in brain tumors so the immune system can attack the cancer more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Some brain tumor patients have had long-lasting benefit from virus-based therapies, but the immune system often clears the virus too quickly. This project focuses on a cell pathway called Nono that appears to trigger that early innate immune response and remove the virus. Researchers will use laboratory and animal models and molecular studies to see how blocking or modifying Nono affects virus persistence and tumor immune responses. The goal is to learn ways to extend viral activity in tumors so more patients develop strong anti-tumor immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with brain tumors such as glioblastoma who are candidates for oncolytic adenovirus therapy in clinical trials would be the most relevant patients for related treatments.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not being treated with oncolytic viruses or who have non-brain tumors are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could increase the number of brain tumor patients who get durable benefit from oncolytic virus therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier clinical trials of oncolytic adenoviruses, including Delta-24-RGD, produced complete long-term responses in a small subset of patients but overall success has been limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gomez-Manzano, Candelaria — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gomez-Manzano, Candelaria
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.