Using microRNA to improve immune responses against cancer and viruses
Official title: Delivering miR-29a to enhance anti-viral and anti-tumor responses in vivo
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11036315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help tired immune cells in cancer and chronic infection patients work better by using a special tiny molecule called miR-29a, which is delivered with an antibody to help them fight off tumors and viruses more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $223,343 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178184-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or chronic viral infections who exhibit exhausted T cell responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those without significant T cell exhaustion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the immune response of exhausted T cells (TEX) in patients with cancer and chronic infections. It aims to deliver a specific microRNA, miR-29a, to these TEX to improve their function and persistence. By using a novel delivery method that combines miR-29a with an antibody that targets PD-1, the researchers hope to reinvigorate these cells and boost their ability to fight tumors and viral infections. This approach could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy options for patients with cancer and chronic infections, enhancing their immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using microRNAs in immunotherapy is relatively novel, preliminary data suggest that similar strategies have shown promise in enhancing T cell responses.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stelekati, Erietta — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Stelekati, Erietta
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.