Tiny Particles to Boost the Immune System Against Cancer
Engineered Nanoformulation for Immune-modulation in Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-11136895
This project explores how tiny particles can help your body's immune system better fight cancer by overcoming signals that usually stop immune cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11136895 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cancer cells often create signals that prevent your immune system from effectively destroying tumors, which can make treatments less successful. Even common therapies like chemotherapy and radiation can sometimes trigger these signals, further weakening your body's natural defenses. This research aims to develop new strategies to counteract these immune-blocking signals, potentially by combining existing cancer drugs with immune-boosting approaches. Our laboratory has discovered that by silencing a specific protein in cancer cells using special nanoparticles, we can influence key immune checkpoint proteins. Understanding how to control these proteins with nanoparticles could lead to more effective cancer treatments that empower your own immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers where immune checkpoint proteins hinder treatment, such as lung cancer, might be ideal candidates for future applications of this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve the specific immune checkpoint pathways or proteins targeted by this approach may not directly benefit from this particular strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new cancer treatments that make current therapies more effective by enhancing the body's natural ability to fight cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from the principal investigator's lab and others has shown that targeting the HuR protein can inhibit cancer growth and improve survival in animal models, supporting this new direction.
Where this research is happening
OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR — OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAMESH, RAJAGOPAL — UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR
- Study coordinator: RAMESH, RAJAGOPAL
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents