Targeted delivery of immune-boosting proteins to tumors with coated nanoparticles
Delivery of cytokines for cancer immunotherapy using nanolayer-controlled trafficking of liposomal nanoparticles
It tries to send immune-boosting proteins straight into tumors to help the immune system fight cancers, especially ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11266145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had cancer, the team would load tiny fat-based particles with immune-stimulating proteins and coat them with special polymer layers so they stick to tumor cells and control where the proteins go. The coated nanoparticles are designed to release cytokines like IL-12 inside the tumor to draw in T cells and natural killer cells. In animal models, combining this local cytokine delivery with checkpoint drugs (CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers) cleared metastatic ovarian tumors and produced lasting immune memory. The approach aims to concentrate therapy in the tumor to boost effect while lowering the risk of whole-body toxicity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Likely candidates for future trials would be people with advanced solid tumors—especially ovarian cancer—with tumors that exclude immune cells or who have not responded to checkpoint inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers, tumors not reachable by local nanoparticle delivery, or cancers driven mainly by non-immune mechanisms may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make immunotherapy more effective and safer by concentrating powerful immune signals inside tumors while reducing systemic side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related nanoparticle and localized cytokine strategies have shown promising results in animal studies, but clinical success in people has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hammond, Paula T — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hammond, Paula T
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.