Project description
Making tumours visible to the immune system using antigen-encoding mRNA lipid nanoparticles
Cancer immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to eliminate tumours. However, many cancers evade detection due to the absence of recognisable tumour antigens. The ERC-funded OncoFlag project addresses this challenge by developing a universal strategy to 'flag' tumour cells for immune recognition. Using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver messenger RNA encoding the measles virus H protein, we induce cancer cells to transiently express this viral antigen on their surface. By leveraging pre-existing immunity in most of the population, this approach renders tumours visible to the immune system and triggers a robust, targeted anti-tumour response. Building on promising preclinical results in melanoma, OncoFlag will extend testing across multiple cancer types. By overcoming limitations of current immunotherapies, the project will accelerate the development of effective, broadly applicable cancer treatments.
Objective
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized oncology by leveraging the immune system to combat tumors. However, many cancers evade immune detection through mechanisms like the absence of recognizable antigens (Ags), limiting current therapeutic efficacy. To address this, we present OncoFlag, an innovative platform employing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a protein of a target virus. This approach transforms tumor cells into visible targets for the immune system by inducing viral Ag expression on their surface, resulting in a revival of the immune recognition (communication) and triggering a potent anti-tumor response. Building on the results of the ERC-advanced EDISON project, which explores micro/nanoparticles as mediators for immune-cancer cell communication, we have preliminary validated this strategy in a melanoma model. Our results demonstrated significant tumor growth reduction and robust immune activation, driven by cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration into Ag-expressing tumors. OncoFlag Proof-of-Concept project aims to explore the viability of this platform by evaluating the universality of the therapy in diverse tumor models, as well as its versatility and translational potential. By validating the efficacy of the platform in multiple tumor types and patient-derived systems (e.g. co-cultures with primary immune cells, PBMCs), we aim to establish a novel, universal strategy that can be applied across a wide range of cancers. These studies will provide critical insights into the platform’s ability to overcome current limitations in cancer immunotherapy. By demonstrating the universality and versatility of OncoFlag, we aim to de-risk the technology, attract further investment, and accelerate its path to commercialization. OncoFlag represents a transformative step towards personalized and effective cancer treatments, aligning with the growing demand for precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology virology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology skin cancer melanoma
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology immunotherapy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
46022 Valencia
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.