Two‑part nano‑therapy using harmless plant virus particles
Dual-pronged nano-drug delivery using plant virus-like particles
This project uses harmless plant virus particles to boost the immune system and carry cancer drugs directly into tumors for people with triple‑negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163375 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing tiny particles made from a plant virus (cowpea mosaic virus) that are injected into tumors to wake up immune cells and trigger a broader anti‑cancer immune response. They are combining this immune activation with local drug delivery and standard treatments like radiation and chemotherapy to attack tumors from two angles. The team tests these approaches in laboratory models and animals, studies how the particles spread in the body, and examines which immune receptors recognize them. The aim is to refine doses and combinations that could be moved toward helping people with triple‑negative breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with triple‑negative breast cancer, especially those with tumors that can be injected directly, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes, those without accessible tumors for injection, or individuals who cannot tolerate immune‑related side effects may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make the immune system better at controlling triple‑negative breast cancer and improve how well current treatments work.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in mice and companion dog trials with these plant virus particles has shown strong anti‑tumor effects, though human testing is still limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Steinmetz, Nicole Franziska
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.