Research & Initiatives
Our lab develops novel immune therapy platforms for the treatment of metastatic cancer
Preclinical studies use murine models of ovarian cancer to study immune mechanisms of action and therapeutic outcomes.
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Ovarian cancer is predominately diagnosed at late stages of the disease, with approximately one third of diagnoses occurring at stage III or IV. Existing treatments are largely ineffective at this stage of the disease.
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Our nanoparticle and cell-based platforms modify surfaces with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPS), also known as Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. Activation of immune cells leads to T cell mediated immune responses that targets caner throughout the body.
WHO, 2022
Silicified Cancer Cell Immune Therapy
A novel approach to initiating tumor-specific immune responses in cancer patients
Our team has been developing a novel approach to cancer immunotherapy that transforms patient tumor cells into potent immune-stimulating agents that drive cancer-specific immunity. Through cell biomineralization (aka cell silicification), tumor cells are rendered nonviable while preserving their structural integrity and full repertoire of tumor antigens. This process also enables surface functionalization via adsorption of immunogenic molecules to the silicified cell surface.
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By modifying the cell surface with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists cancer cells are transformed into synthetic pathogen mimetics that are readily recognized by myeloid cells. These modified cells engage both extracellular and endosomal TLRs, triggering activation of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). This leads to enhanced antigen processing and presentation, increased co-stimulatory signaling, and secretion of type I interferons and other pro-inflammatory mediators.
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This platform addresses immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment by activating suppressed immune cells. The use of a patient’s own tumor cells ensures the presentation of relevant, personalized tumor antigens, making this an individualized approach to immunotherapy.
