Using nanobodies to fight infections and cancer
Official title: Armed nanobodies as anti-infectives and anti-tumor agents
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11141686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system fight off viruses and cancer by using tiny proteins called nanobodies that can target and stick to the bad cells, and it’s being tested in animals to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $542,900 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182177-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with viral infections such as COVID-19 or those diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral infections or those not affected by cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of specialized proteins called nanobodies that can target and bind to specific cells infected by viruses or cancerous cells. By combining these nanobodies with other therapeutic agents, the goal is to enhance the immune response against these harmful cells. The research will involve testing these nanobody constructs in animal models to understand how effectively they can eliminate infected or cancerous cells. If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that harness the body's immune system more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new, effective treatments for viral infections and cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanobodies for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Hao — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wu, Hao
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.