ST2 nanobodies for colorectal cancer immunotherapy
Official title: Development of ST2 Nanobodies for Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11270096 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to create tiny antibody fragments that target ST2 to help diagnose and treat colorectal cancer, potentially helping patients whose disease has spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $614,453 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA307209-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11270096 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with colorectal cancer, especially those where immunotherapy is being considered or where imaging could guide therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express ST2 or who cannot receive nanobody-based imaging or therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will create small, stable antibodies called nanobodies that target the ST2 protein on colorectal cancer cells. Researchers will develop both mouse and human versions and test whether these nanobodies can block ST2 or be used to image tumors non-invasively when labeled with a radioactive tracer. The work includes checking how well these nanobodies bind, how they distribute in the body, and whether they can both aid imaging and serve as a therapeutic agent. The ultimate goal is to offer new diagnostic and treatment options for colorectal cancer patients, especially those with limited current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve detection and provide a new treatment avenue for colorectal cancer by targeting ST2.
How similar studies have gone: Other antibody-based approaches have shown promise in cancer imaging and therapy, but this ST2-targeted nanobody approach is novel and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Der Jeught, Kevin — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Van Der Jeught, Kevin
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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.