Using nanoparticles to deliver mRNA for cancer treatment
Official title: Kinetic Assembly of Polymer-mRNA Nanoparticles Targets Circulating Monocytes to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11079582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new cancer vaccine that uses tiny particles to help your immune cells better recognize and fight cancer, with the hope that it will improve treatment outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $572,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281143-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancer who are seeking new immunotherapy options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of cancer vaccine that uses specially engineered nanoparticles to deliver mRNA encoding tumor-associated antigens directly to circulating monocytes, which are a type of immune cell. By enhancing the delivery and activation of these immune cells, the goal is to improve the body's anti-tumor response. The approach involves optimizing the size and composition of the nanoparticles to ensure they effectively target and transfect monocytes, leading to better cancer treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from this innovative method of immunotherapy that aims to boost their immune system's ability to fight cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer vaccines that significantly enhance the immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar nanoparticle delivery systems in enhancing immune responses, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Hai-Quan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Hai-Quan
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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.