Virus-based nanoparticles to boost immune response against ovarian cancer
Engineering viral nanoparticles for TLR agonist-based multi-functional cancer immunotherapies
Building tiny virus-like particles that activate the immune system to help women with ovarian cancer fight their tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11350090 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project develops engineered viral nanoparticles that carry immune-stimulating signals (TLR agonists) and tumor antigens to change the ovarian tumor environment from immune-suppressing to immune-activating. Investigators will use well-characterized virus capsids (cowpea mosaic virus and hepatitis B capsid) and bioengineering methods to combine multiple immune triggers and antigens. The work will test these particles in laboratory and preclinical models to measure safety, delivery, and whether they provoke local and systemic anti-tumor immune responses. The goal is to refine approaches that could move toward clinical testing in ovarian cancer patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer who have completed or not responded to standard surgery and chemotherapy would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with cancers other than ovarian cancer or those with active autoimmune disease or other conditions that make them ineligible for immune-based treatments are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce new immunotherapy options that lower recurrence and improve outcomes for people with ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related TLR-agonist and virus-like nanoparticle approaches have shown promising anti-tumor effects in laboratory and animal studies, but remain largely unproven in ovarian cancer patients.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Zhongchao — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Zhongchao
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.