Using modified bacteria to enhance cancer treatment
Official title: Reversing cancer immunosuppression using attenuated Listeria monocytogenes
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11061111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help cancer treatment by using a modified bacteria that could boost your immune system's ability to fight tumors, making existing therapies work better for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $473,641 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283604-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors who are seeking innovative cancer therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with blood cancers or those who have already exhausted all available treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of an attenuated strain of Listeria monocytogenes as a therapeutic vaccine to improve cancer immunotherapy. By injecting this modified bacteria directly into tumors, the study aims to alter the tumor microenvironment, making it more conducive for the immune system to attack cancer cells. The approach focuses on activating specific immune responses and reducing suppressive cells that hinder effective treatment. Patients may benefit from a novel method that enhances the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by improving the immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microbial-based therapies for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Portnoy, Daniel a — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Portnoy, Daniel a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Vascular signals from brain blood vessels influence immune-suppressing cells in glioblastoma
This grant explores how blood vessel cells in glioblastoma shape immune cells to help the tumor grow, with the aim of making immunotherapies work better for patients.
-
Vascularized niche with local immune protection to transplant insulin-producing cells for Type 1 diabetes
A new approach aims to transplant insulin-producing cells inside a vascularized pocket with local drug delivery to keep them alive and functioning without full-body immune suppression.
-
AHR-driven immunosuppression in glioblastoma and new therapeutic targets
A personalized cancer study aims to understand why glioblastoma suppresses the immune system and to find ways to boost anti-tumor immunity in patients with this brain tumor.
-
Fibroblast-made GABA fuels PDAC immune suppression
In people with pancreatic cancer, this study explores how a specific cell type in the tumor environment uses a brain-like chemical (GABA) to dampen immune attack against the cancer.
-
Biomarker-guided reduction of immunosuppression after liver transplant
A multicenter trial tests whether using blood biomarkers to guide tapering of immunosuppression in adults with liver transplants can keep people healthy while lowering drug exposure.
-
Understanding and Overcoming T cell Immunosuppression in Glioblastoma (GBM)
A large research program is looking at how glioblastoma tumors weaken immune responses and how to boost immune cells to fight GBM.
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.