Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy
About This Grant
Abstract Immune checkpoint blockade has become a cornerstone treatment for many solid tumors. However, not all patients respond effectively to this therapy. To enhance its efficacy, researchers are exploring the combination of radiation and immunotherapy, a strategy known as radio-immunotherapy. Despite its promise, radio- immunotherapy has not consistently demonstrated clinical benefit, in part due to a lack of activated dendritic cells (DCs) within tumors. Among these immune cells, a specific subset known as cDC1s plays a crucial role in antigen cross-presentation to T cells in the tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) to initiate anti-tumor immune responses. Emerging studies suggest that cDC1s in the TDLNs are also critical targets for immune checkpoint inhibitors. Tumors resistant to immunotherapy or radio-immunotherapy often exhibit low cDC1 levels, and their migration to TDLNs can be impeded by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This project aims to develop a calcium nanoparticle-based combinatory treatment to enhance radio- immunotherapy by improving both tumor infiltration and TDLN migration of cDC1s. We hypothesize that surface- engineered calcium nanoparticles, termed αCaNPs, can selectively deliver calcium, a key second messenger for immune cell migration, into circulating cDC1s, thereby enhancing their tumor infiltration in response to chemotactic signals. In addition, we anticipate that αCaNPs, by elevating cytosolic calcium levels, will promote cDC1 maturation inside tumors and afferent migration to TDLNs. Under immune checkpoint blockade with PD- L1 antibody, we expect that cDC1s will prime T cells in the TDLNs, leading to clonal expansion and robust anti- tumor immunity. To evaluate the efficacy of this approach, we will use murine models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). If successful, our technology could be extended to other cancers currently under intensive clinical investigation for radio-immunotherapy.
Grant Summary
Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy is a NCI - National Cancer Institute grant providing up to $618K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-02-28 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $618K
2031-02-28
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy from NCI - National Cancer Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NCI - National Cancer Institute before the deadline.
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Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy?
Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy is offered by NCI - National Cancer Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy provide?
Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy provides up to $618K per award from NCI - National Cancer Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy deadline?
Applications for Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy are due 2031-02-28 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NCI - National Cancer Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy?
To apply for Calcium Nanoparticles to Enhance Immuno-Radiotherapy, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NCI - National Cancer Institute.