Vaccine to prevent liver-fluke linked bile duct cancer
Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during fluke infection
A multivalent vaccine designed to stop Opisthorchis viverrini infection and lower bile duct cancer risk for people in affected communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are identifying proteins and extracellular vesicle components that the liver fluke uses to survive and alter the bile ducts. They will prioritize several parasite antigens and combine them into a multivalent vaccine. The team will test those vaccine candidates first in the lab and in animal models to find the safest and most protective formulations. The ultimate goal is to prepare a vaccine that could be tested in people living where the fluke infection is common.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people living in or from regions where Opisthorchis viverrini infection is common, or those with documented exposure to the liver fluke.
Not a fit: People whose bile duct cancer is not related to liver fluke infection or those with advanced, established cancer are unlikely to benefit from this preventive vaccine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could prevent liver fluke infection and reduce the number of bile duct cancers caused by the parasite.
How similar studies have performed: Similar parasite-targeted vaccines are mostly experimental with some encouraging results in animal models but limited data from human trials.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brindley, Paul J — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Brindley, Paul J
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.