Splice-variant neoantigens as a vaccine target for head and neck cancer
Official title: Identification of splice variant derived neo-antigens in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as targets for tumor vaccine therapy
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11380029 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused approach to identifying unique tumor antigens from abnormal RNA splicing in head and neck cancer and testing a vaccine to help the immune system recognize and fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,417 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA276999-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380029 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those considered for or receiving immune checkpoint therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not produce splice-variant neoantigens or who cannot mount an immune response may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to find tumor-specific protein pieces created by alternative RNA splicing in head and neck cancer and turn them into potential vaccine targets. Researchers will use computer tools to predict these new antigens and then test them in a mouse model to see if they provoke an immune response. Promising antigens will be combined into a vaccine and evaluated for its ability to boost the effectiveness of existing immunotherapy. The study will also look at whether these human-derived neoantigens can provoke immune responses in patients, guiding future clinical translation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine approach could improve responses to immunotherapy for head and neck cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that neoantigen-based vaccines can stimulate anti-tumor immunity in other cancers, but this approach in head and neck cancer is novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Theresa — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Guo, Theresa
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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.