Using virus-like particles to reprogram immune cells to fight cancer
Cancer therapy by targeting innate immune cells in vivo using novel virus-like particles
This project uses harmless virus-like particles to reprogram immune cells in the body so they can better attack hard-to-treat blood cancers and some solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300234 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers plan to deliver genetic instructions with virus-like particles (VLPs) to specific immune cells in the body so those cells will make chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize cancer. The team will target multiple cell types (T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages) to create off-the-shelf therapies rather than making cells from each patient. Their VLP approach aims to combine the targeting advantages of viral vectors with temporary, controlled mRNA expression to reduce long-term risks. Early work will test targeting, delivery, and initial anti-cancer activity in controlled lab and preclinical settings before moving toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with B-cell blood cancers and potentially patients with certain solid tumors that are resistant to standard treatments, depending on the CAR targets developed.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not express the specific targets chosen for the CARs, or those too frail or immunosuppressed to receive immune-directed therapies, may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this could make CAR-based treatments faster, more affordable, and available to more patients, including those whose cancers do not respond to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Autologous CAR-T cell therapies have shown strong success for some B-cell cancers, but in-body VLP delivery to make CARs and off-the-shelf NK or macrophage CAR approaches are largely experimental and less proven.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Dan S. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Dan S.
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 below.