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Project title: Anti-Cancer Vaccine Prototype Targeting Immune Checkpoint (IC-Vax)
Project No.: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0020
Period: 1 March 2026 – 31 October 2026
Project costs: 190 000,00 EUR
Principal Investigator: Dr. biol. Kaspars Tārs
Project summary:
Cancer cells are cunning — they often hide from the immune system by building a protective shield around themselves using special proteins known as immune checkpoint (IC) antigens. With the help of these antigens, the malignant tumor deceives the immune system by mimicking a harmless part of the body. As a result, immunity “passes by” the cancer without attacking it.
How does the new technology work? Our research group is developing an innovative vaccine designed to teach the body to recognize and disrupt this cancer‑built protective barrier. The foundation of the vaccine consists of “virus‑like shells.” They are harmless because they contain no viral genetic material, yet they attract strong immune system attention. Using special “chemical glues,” a fragment of the tumor’s protective mechanism — one of the IC antigens — is firmly attached to these shells. When the body encounters this combination, it begins producing antibodies that specifically target the tumor’s defensive barrier. Once this barrier is broken, the immune system can recognize and destroy the cancer cells.
Project goals and future directions
The first laboratory tests have been successful — in mouse models, the vaccine has triggered a strong immune response. The next task for the research team is to take the following steps:
- Demonstrate vaccine efficacy: Test whether the vaccine can truly halt the growth of melanoma (skin cancer) in a mouse model.
- Adapt the technology for human use: Prepare and refine the platform so that it can be safely applied in future clinical medicine.
- Ensure accessibility: Develop an intellectual property protection strategy and strengthen collaboration with industry partners to support the vaccine’s progression into clinical trials.
Information published 16.03.2026.