Using antibodies to block a protein that promotes cancer and heart issues
Official title: Monoclonal antibody inhibition of thrombin cleavage of osteopontin as a novel therapeutic to enhance host antitumor immunity and reduce cardiac fibrosis
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11063100 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein related to cancer and heart issues can be blocked using special antibodies, and it aims to find out if stopping a certain enzyme from affecting this protein can help boost the immune system against tumors and improve heart health, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063100 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers such as melanoma or ovarian cancer, particularly those who may also have cardiovascular concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not related to osteopontin activity or those without cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific protein called osteopontin (OPN), which is linked to cancer growth and heart problems, can be inhibited using monoclonal antibodies. The study focuses on the role of thrombin, an enzyme that cleaves OPN, in promoting tumor growth and reducing the body's immune response against cancer. By creating a modified mouse model that resists this cleavage, researchers aim to understand how blocking this process can enhance the immune response against tumors and potentially reduce heart fibrosis. Patients may benefit from insights gained about new therapeutic strategies that could improve cancer treatment and heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the body's ability to fight cancer while also protecting heart health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar approaches to enhance anti-tumor immunity, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leung, Lawrence L — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Leung, Lawrence L
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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.