Nanoparticle therapy that activates immune response against tumors

Tumor-activatable Interleukin-2 Superkine Nanoparticle Therapy

['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11036389

This study is testing a new cancer treatment that uses tiny particles to deliver a special version of a protein that helps your immune system fight tumors, aiming to make the treatment safer and more effective for people with certain types of cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11036389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of cancer treatment that uses engineered nanoparticles to deliver a modified version of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a protein that helps activate the immune system to fight tumors. The approach aims to minimize side effects commonly associated with traditional IL-2 therapies by ensuring that the treatment specifically targets cancer cells in acidic tumor environments. By enhancing the effectiveness of immune cells like CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, this therapy seeks to improve outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are responsive to IL-2 therapy, such as renal and skin cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to IL-2 or those with significant immune system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and safer immunotherapy option for cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered IL-2 therapies, but this specific approach combining nanoparticles with IL-2 muteins is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

DALLAS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer immunotherapy, anti-cancer therapy, anticancer immunotherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.