Using RNA to enhance immune responses for cancer treatment and vaccines
Official title: Programmable 'all-in-one' RNA as a molecular scaffold for targeted combinatorial innate immune activation
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11005287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to boost the body's natural defenses against cancer and infections by using a special RNA tool that helps the immune system respond better to treatments, making it more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,537 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035261-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or those needing improved vaccine responses against infectious diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not suffering from cancer or infectious diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel RNA-based platform that can activate the innate immune system to improve responses to cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines. By engineering a modular 'all-in-one' RNA scaffold, the project seeks to combine multiple immune-activating signals in a way that mimics natural pathogen recognition. This approach addresses current limitations in existing therapies by allowing for precise tuning of immune responses, potentially leading to more effective treatments for patients. The research will involve laboratory experiments to test the effectiveness of these RNA constructs in stimulating immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments and vaccines that provide better immune responses for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using combinatorial approaches to activate the immune system, suggesting potential success for this novel RNA-based method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Connie — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wu, Connie
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.