Tiny particles to retrain immune cells and stop cancer spread
Nanoparticles to reprogram innate immune cells and disrupt the metastatic niche
This work explores using special nanoparticles to teach immune cells to fight triple negative breast cancer and prevent it from returning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176120 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Triple negative breast cancer is a very aggressive type of cancer, and even after successful initial treatment, it can sometimes come back. This project aims to stop cancer cells from finding safe places to grow and spread by targeting certain immune cells called monocytes and neutrophils. Researchers are designing nanoparticles that can reprogram these immune cells while they are still in the bloodstream. The goal is to make these immune cells less protective of cancer and more effective at helping the body's own defenses eliminate any remaining tumor cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for patients with triple negative breast cancer, particularly those at risk of recurrence after standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types or those not yet diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to prevent triple negative breast cancer from recurring in patients who have completed initial therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While immunotherapies have shown promise, this specific nanoparticle strategy to reprogram innate immune cells to disrupt metastatic sites is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shea, Lonnie D — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Shea, Lonnie D
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.