T cell therapies targeting Merkel cell polyomavirus in skin cancer
Merkel cell polyomavirus HLA class I epitopes for generating therapeutic T cell-based cancer immunotherapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11285419
A vaccine-style approach to train a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack Merkel cell carcinoma caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will identify viral protein fragments (epitopes) from Merkel cell polyomavirus that are naturally shown on tumor cells. They will use engineered cell lines covering many HLA class I types, a machine-learning predictor (HLAthena), and mass spectrometry on patient-derived tumor cells to find the best targets. These epitopes will be delivered with a lipid nanodisc vaccine platform designed to direct antigen to professional antigen-presenting cells and generate lasting T cell memory. The aim is to produce vaccine or T cell therapies that work across diverse HLA types to help immune cells find and kill virus-positive MCC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Merkel cell carcinoma whose tumors are positive for Merkel cell polyomavirus and who can provide samples or enroll at a participating center.
Not a fit: Patients with virus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma, those with severely weakened immune systems, or those without the targeted HLA types may not benefit from this virus-directed approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to vaccines or T cell therapies that help the immune system clear virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma and lower recurrence and mortality.
How similar studies have performed: Virus-targeted T cell therapies and vaccines have shown promise for other virus-linked cancers, but using HLA-epitope mapping with lipid nanodisc vaccines for MCPyV-positive MCC is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KESKIN, DERIN B — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: KESKIN, DERIN B
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.