IL-12–releasing microparticles to boost immune attack on solid tumors
Official title: Anti-tumor immunity via IL-12 delivery in the tumor microenvironment
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11449610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science team at Harvard is testing a new way to deliver IL-12 directly into solid tumors to help immune T cells attack cancer more effectively, with the goal of fewer side effects than traditional systemic cytokine therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $640,874 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308075-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with solid tumors that could receive localized intratumoral injections and potentially benefit from T cell–based immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors are not accessible to intratumoral injection or who do not respond to IL-12–based strategies may see little to no benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers have developed mesoporous silica rod microparticles that release IL-12 inside tumors to sustain immune signaling where it matters. The study will test this MSR/IL-12 delivery both by itself and in combination with adoptive T cell therapy to overcome barriers in the tumor microenvironment. By injecting the particles directly into tumors, they aim to achieve higher local drug concentrations with fewer systemic toxicities. The project will assess safety, dosing, and antitumor activity in preclinical models to inform future clinical trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for solid tumors with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Similar localized cytokine delivery approaches have shown promise in preclinical models, but this exact MSR/IL-12 system is being evaluated for its translational potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mooney, David J — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Mooney, David J
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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.