Zika virus–based approach to boost immune attack on glioblastoma
Official title: Leveraging Zika virus driven myeloid cell responses to treat GBM
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11399786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use a Zika virus–driven approach to train the body’s immune system to attack glioblastoma tumors by activating myeloid cells and CD8 T cells.
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 start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,393 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM135004-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or related brain tumors who could contribute tumor samples or participate in future clinical trials related to oncolytic-virus–based immunotherapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without glioblastoma or those not eligible for immunotherapy-based protocols may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how Zika virus can be used to change the glioblastoma tumor environment from suppressive to inflammatory, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Researchers will study how specific myeloid cell types respond to ZIKV within tumors and in nearby lymph nodes to drive GBM-specific CD8 T cell responses. The study also tests a combination therapy with a novel Flt3 ligand to further activate dendritic cell subtypes and boost anti-tumor immunity. The goal is to uncover cellular mechanisms that enable tumor rejection and to lay groundwork for immunotherapy strategies in GBM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immunotherapy approaches that mobilize the patient’s own immune system to fight glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Similar oncolytic-virus strategies have shown tumor-targeting activity and immune engagement in early studies, but translating to curative outcomes in GBM remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
-
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.