RNA-made antibody that helps the immune system attack lung cancer
Modified saRNA Encoded BiTEs for Lung Cancer
A new self-amplifying RNA approach is being developed to produce antibodies that bring a patient’s T cells to lung cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251933 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) to encode a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) that links T cells (via CD3) to lung tumor cells so the immune system can kill them. The team is changing the building blocks of the saRNA (modified nucleotides) to reduce the innate immune reaction and make the RNA produce more therapeutic protein for longer. Work includes laboratory experiments and in vivo testing to measure how well the modified saRNA makes BiTE protein, how long it lasts, and how it affects tumor control and side effects. The research is led at Boston University and aims to overcome prior hurdles that limited saRNA use for therapeutics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal future participants would be people with advanced or treatment-resistant lung cancer whose tumors express the specific protein targeted by the BiTE.
Not a fit: People whose tumors do not express the BiTE target or who cannot receive immune-based treatments are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could yield longer-lasting, more potent immune-engaging antibody therapy for people with lung cancer with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Bispecific T-cell engagers and mRNA therapeutics have shown success in other cancers and vaccines, but using self-amplifying RNA to encode BiTEs for lung cancer is a newer and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grinstaff, Mark W. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Grinstaff, Mark W.
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.