NIH-funded research R15 grant

Improving how the immune system recognizes and fights cancer using targeted nanoparticles

Official title: Enhancing Tumor Antigen Presentation with Complement Targeted Nanoparticles

Funded at University of Alaska Anchorage · NIH-10360368 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system fight cancer by using special tiny bubbles that deliver cancer-related proteins to immune cells, making them work better together to attack tumors.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alaska Anchorage
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Anchorage, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2018
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2022
Award (this year)$441,796
NIH project number2R15CA227740-02
Project IDNIH-10360368 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who may benefit from improved immunotherapy options.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-solid tumors or those who are not eligible for immunotherapy may not receive benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the immune response against cancer by improving the way tumor antigens are presented to immune cells. It utilizes a novel liposome delivery system, known as C3-liposomes, which targets various antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells. By encapsulating tumor antigens and immune-activating compounds within these liposomes, the goal is to stimulate a stronger immune response that can effectively eliminate tumors. The research aims to identify the best combinations of antigens and immune stimulators to optimize this process.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer immunotherapies that enhance the body's ability to fight tumors.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results from similar approaches using targeted nanoparticles have shown promise in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Alaska Anchorage
    Anchorage, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kullberg, Max Peter — University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Study coordinator: Kullberg, Max Peter

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How wildfires and stress during pregnancy affect birth outcomes in Alaskan women

    This study is looking at how exposure to wildfire smoke and other stressors might affect the chances of preterm birth in pregnant women in Alaska, especially among American Indian and Alaska Native communities, to help improve healthcare for those who need it most.

    NIH research University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage, United States · NIH-10984978

  • Investigating copper toxicity and its effects on the brain in a mouse model of Wilson Disease

    This study is looking at Wilson Disease, a condition that causes too much copper to build up in the body, and it's testing new treatments, like zinc salts, to see if they can help reduce harmful effects on the brain and liver while being safer than current medications.

    NIH research University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage, United States · NIH-10574028

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.