Novel CD137 (4-1BB) agonist for cancer prevention
Official title: Developing a novel agonist of CD137 for cancer immunoprevention
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11457460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new CD137/4-1BB activating therapy called SA-4-1BBL is being tested in preclinical models to help prevent cancer development in high-risk people exposed to environmental lung carcinogens.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $837,704 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3CA290305-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals at high risk for lung cancer due to environmental exposures, who may benefit from a future preventive immunotherapy approach.
✕Less likely to help
People without high cancer risk from environmental exposures or with conditions that compromise CD8+ T cell function may not benefit from this preventive strategy.
What this research studies
This project tests SA-4-1BBL as a single-agent approach to prevent cancer by boosting the body's CD8+ T cell responses in models that mimic high-risk, environmentally exposed individuals. The work focuses on a costimulatory pathway (4-1BB) to enhance expansion and longevity of tumor-fighting T cells without relying on a specific tumor antigen. Researchers will use preclinical models to see if this approach can intercept and reduce cancer formation in the lungs of at-risk populations. The goal is to establish a platform that could prevent a variety of non-viral tumors in people with high cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a broadly applicable means to prevent lung and other cancers in high-risk individuals by enhancing immune readiness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with 4-1BB pathway modulation has shown immune activation and tumor-control benefits, but translating a safe preventive approach remains an area of active study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shirwan, Haval — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Shirwan, Haval
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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.