Researchers from the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center received $917,000 as part of a two-phase grant to investigate novel immune-based approaches to prevent keratinocytic skin cancers, which are the most common form of cancer. An additional $2 million in funding is available contingent upon the successful completion of milestones.

University of Arizona researchers developed a model for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and identified two promising tumor neoantigens for vaccine development. Using artificial intelligence, they generated 3D models to predict which neoantigens could trigger T cells—key immune defenders—to recognize and attack cancer cells, advancing personalized cancer immunotherapy.