Philanthropists' gift to advance universal cancer vaccine research

A $1 million gift from Nathan S. Collier and his wife, Ani, along with Ken and Linda McGurn, is accelerating novel mRNA cancer vaccine research.

Recent developments led by Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., a UF Health pediatric oncologist and the Stop Children’s Cancer/Bonnie R. Freeman Professor for Pediatric Oncology Research at the University of Florida College of Medicine, have inspired the couples to help propel his work.

“The work that Dr. Sayour and his team are doing is remarkable,” Nathan Collier said. “We are thrilled to support this groundbreaking research at UF, and we look forward to seeing a future where cancer has a cure.”

The funding will aid Sayour’s work to advance a new class of mRNA vaccines designed to “wake up” the immune system and enable it to recognize and attack cancer — an approach that could one day lead to a universal cancer vaccine for patients with treatment-resistant tumors.

In a study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering[MR1] , Sayour and his team demonstrated that an experimental mRNA vaccine dramatically boosted the tumor-fighting effects of immunotherapy in mouse models. Rather than targeting a specific cancer mutation, the vaccine stimulated a broad immune response, making tumors more vulnerable to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In additional mouse studies, the generalized mRNA vaccine also showed promise as a standalone therapy, eliminating tumors in some models.

“This research represents a new paradigm in cancer treatment,” said Sayour. “By activating the immune system itself, we may be able to help patients across many cancer types, including those who have few remaining options.”

For Linda and Ken McGurn, this work is deeply personal. They have lost family members to this disease and support several efforts that elevate research and patient support.

“I was completely motivated hearing Dr. Sayour speak about his life’s work to find a cure,” Linda McGurn said. “Knowing that he is so dedicated made this an easy decision for us to lend our support.”

For more than eight years, Sayour has pioneered mRNA-based cancer vaccines using lipid nanoparticle technology similar to that used in COVID-19 vaccines. His lab previously made history with the first human clinical trial of a personalized mRNA vaccine for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The new study builds on that success by demonstrating the potential of a non-personalized, off-the-shelf mRNA approach.

“I am deeply grateful for this partnership,” said Sayour. “Moving a new idea in cancer treatment forward takes both careful science and sizeable support. Their generosity gives us the runway to translate promising discoveries into real treatments for patients.”

Nathan Collier, UF BSBA ’74, MBA ’78, JD ’82, is a prominent real estate owner, developer and founder of The Collier Companies, which owns more than 12,000 apartment homes nationwide. A dedicated University of Florida alumnus, he has made significant investments across campus, including endowing the Nathan S. Collier Master of Science in Real Estate program in the Warrington College of Business. In 2019, he established the Collier Prize for State Government Accountability through the College of Journalism and Communications and later made an $8 million commitment to sustain the prize and expand journalism initiatives.

Ken McGurn, UF B.S. ’72, M.S. ’73, Ph.D. ’81, president of McGurn Investment Co., and his wife, Linda McGurn, UF BSBA ’73, JD ’78, are longtime supporters of UF and the Gainesville community. Their philanthropy includes major investments in scholarships at the College of Medicine, support for neurological research at the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health and funding for academic and environmental initiatives across campus, including the Florida Museum of Natural History.

“Linda and I feel honored to partner with the University of Florida on so many initiatives that will really change lives,” Ken McGurn said. “This research has the potential to truly shift the way cancer is treated, and we are proud to boost this work so the team receives the vital resources they need.”

With this gift, Sayour will continue refining mRNA formulations and accelerate progress toward future human clinical trials.