Using a plant virus to create a new type of cancer vaccine
Toward translation of a plant virus-based in situ vaccination nanotechnology
This study is testing a new cancer treatment that uses tiny particles from a virus to help the immune system fight tumors, and it's being tried out on dogs with cancer to see how well it works before moving on to people.
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-10892176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel cancer treatment using nanoparticles derived from the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) to stimulate the immune system against tumors. By injecting these nanoparticles directly into tumors, the approach aims to enhance the body's natural immune response, leading to the destruction of both treated and untreated tumors. The study includes trials in companion dogs with various cancers, providing insights that could translate to human applications. The goal is to optimize the manufacturing process and pharmacology of this treatment to prepare for future human clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with specific types of cancer, such as melanoma, sarcoma, or breast cancer, who may benefit from innovative immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not responsive to immunotherapy or those who are not eligible for clinical trials may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking cancer vaccine that not only treats existing tumors but also prevents their recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar plant virus-based approaches have shown promising results in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
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.