Using immune cells to deliver proteins that fight tumors
Official title: Pilot in vivo trial with T-cell-based delivery of immunostimulatory proteins
Funded at Sri International · NIH-11064775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help treat solid tumors, like ovarian cancer, by using special cells to deliver immune-boosting proteins right to the tumor, which could help your body fight the cancer more effectively while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sri International NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menlo Park, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $346,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA288900-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced solid tumors, particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those whose tumors are not solid may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat solid tumors by using a cell-based system to deliver immunostimulatory proteins directly to the tumor site. The goal is to achieve high local concentrations of these proteins, which can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells while minimizing harmful side effects associated with systemic delivery. The study will utilize a mouse model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer to evaluate the effectiveness of this targeted delivery method. By focusing on the tumor microenvironment, the researchers aim to enhance the antitumor effects of these proteins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with advanced solid tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in localized delivery of immunostimulatory proteins, but this specific approach is novel and untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Sri International
Menlo Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radhakrishnan, Harikrishnan — Sri International
- Study coordinator: Radhakrishnan, Harikrishnan
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.