Stable, ultra‑high affinity peptides that block EphB4 to stop triple‑negative breast cancer from spreading
Stable & Picomolar-Affinity Peptides Targeting Ephb4 to Prevent Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Designer peptides that latch onto the EphB4 protein are being developed to try to stop triple‑negative breast cancer from spreading, with attention to the higher risk seen in African American women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Southern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234607 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is creating very stable peptides that bind the EphB4 receptor with picomolar strength to alter signaling between tumor cells and tumor blood vessels. The goal is to activate tumor‑suppressing signals in cancer cells while blocking pro‑metastatic signals in the tumor endothelium. Researchers will refine peptide chemistry for stability and potency, test effects in cell cultures and animal models of triple‑negative breast cancer, and prepare for later human testing. The team explicitly notes the higher incidence and worse outcomes of TNBC in African American women and aims to address that disparity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple‑negative breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors show EphB4 expression and African American women at higher risk, are the intended candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Patients with non‑triple‑negative breast cancers, tumors lacking EphB4 activity, or those not receiving systemic therapy are unlikely to benefit from this specific strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these peptides could reduce or prevent metastasis in triple‑negative breast cancer and improve survival while offering a more targeted option than standard chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Related EphB4‑targeting peptides such as B4‑007 have shown promising anti‑metastatic effects in laboratory and animal studies, but human clinical testing remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Texas Southern University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Dong — Texas Southern University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Dong
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.