Using Zika virus–triggered immune cells to fight glioblastoma
Leveraging Zika virus driven myeloid cell responses to treat GBM
Researchers plan to use the Zika virus’s tendency to target glioblastoma stem cells to turn the tumor into a target for the immune system so CD8+ T cells can attack it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11096672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will harness Zika virus tropism for glioblastoma stem cells to make tumors more inflammatory and visible to the immune system. They will study two myeloid cell populations—CCR2+ monocytes in the tumor and DC-2 dendritic cells in draining lymph nodes—to learn how each helps activate tumor-killing CD8+ T cells. The team will also test combining Zika-based therapy with Flt3 ligand to boost two types of dendritic cells (DC1 and DC2) and amplify anti-tumor CD8+ T cell responses. The aim is to create a stronger immune attack that could lead to GBM rejection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with glioblastoma whose care team agrees experimental oncolytic immunotherapy is appropriate and who can tolerate investigational viral-based treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with non-glioblastoma brain tumors, severe immune suppression, or active uncontrolled infections may not benefit or be eligible for this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help the immune system recognize and destroy glioblastoma cells and potentially improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Oncolytic virus therapies have shown promise in some solid tumors, but Zika-based approaches for GBM are largely preclinical and have not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nair, Sharmila — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Nair, Sharmila
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.