Nanoparticle and microgel vaccine to train the immune system against advanced cancer
Engineered Lipid Nanoparticles and Microgel Matrix to Program Th1/Th2 Immune Response
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11325032
A new mRNA vaccine delivery approach that aims to teach the immune system to attack advanced cancers by steering helper T cell responses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325032 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating and screening different mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) recipes, using machine learning to find formulations that bias helper T cells toward Th1, Th2, or both types of responses. The best LNPs will be embedded in a soft microgel matrix that holds the particles in place, recruits immune cells, and helps those cells take up the mRNA. The team will test safety and whether this combination boosts anti-tumor immunity in mouse cancer models as a step toward vaccines for people. If the preclinical results are promising, the approach could move toward early human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Potential future candidates would be people with advanced or metastatic cancers whose tumors express targetable antigens and who are eligible for early-phase vaccine trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack the vaccine targets, those who are severely immunocompromised, or those needing immediate standard-of-care therapy are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical work right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to cancer vaccines that produce stronger, more targeted immune responses and improve outcomes for people with advanced cancers.
How similar studies have performed: mRNA LNP vaccines proved highly effective for COVID-19 and some early cancer vaccine efforts show promise, but combining machine-learned LNP recipes with a microgel delivery niche is a novel approach not yet tested in people.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAO, HAI-QUAN — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MAO, HAI-QUAN
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.
Conditions: Advanced Cancer