Slow-release cowpea mosaic virus nanoparticle therapy for breast tumors
CPMV-Polymer Devices to Enhance the Outcomes of Intratumoral Immunotherapy
A slow-release injectable made from harmless plant virus nanoparticles is being developed to help the immune system fight breast tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating injectable blends that combine harmless cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) nanoparticles with biodegradable polymers so the drug slowly releases inside a tumor. They will deliver this therapy directly into tumors in animal models (mice and canine patients) to see if it activates local immune cells and produces lasting, whole-body anti-cancer immunity. The polymer devices are designed to reduce the number of injections needed and to overcome high tumor pressure that can push drugs out of the tumor. If successful, the approach could make intratumoral immunotherapy easier to deliver and more effective against breast tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with breast tumors that are accessible for direct injection and who are open to trying immunotherapy-based approaches.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not reachable for intratumoral injection, who have widespread disease unsuitable for a local approach, or who have contraindications to injection-based therapies may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This could provide longer-lasting local immunotherapy that lowers the need for repeat injections and helps trigger a systemic immune response against breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: CPMV nanoparticles have produced strong anti-tumor responses in mouse models and shown promise in canine cancer patients, but human clinical data remain limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska
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.