Vaccine targeting tumor antigens revealed when cancer lowers TAP
Vaccination against antigens induced by TAP downregulation in concurrent and future tumors
A vaccine to train the immune system to spot and attack common tumor antigens that appear when cancer cells reduce a protein called TAP, for people with current, recurrent, or future cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158634 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a vaccine designed against a set of shared antigens that tumors display when they turn down key antigen-processing proteins (TAP, ERAAP, or invariant chain) instead of targeting only patient-specific mutations. The researchers use laboratory studies and animal models, and have delivered TAP-targeting siRNA to dendritic cells in mice to identify and test these antigens and vaccine formats. The goal is a broadly applicable vaccine that could help control or prevent concurrent, recurrent, or future tumors across many patients. Early animal work showed tumor control and no measurable toxicity, but human testing is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with existing tumors that show TAP/ERAAP/invariant chain downregulation, those at high risk of recurrence, or survivors seeking prevention could be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not display these antigen-processing changes or whose cancers escape immune attack by other mechanisms may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a broadly usable cancer vaccine that helps prevent or control multiple tumors by targeting shared antigens produced when tumors alter antigen processing.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies have shown promising tumor control and low toxicity with this TAP-targeting approach, but human testing remains novel.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilboa, Eli — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gilboa, Eli
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.