Cancer gene therapy
"We are evaluating the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with immunomodulatory properties for cancer treatment."
DR. CRISTIAN SMERDOU PICAZO RESEARCHER. CANCER GENE THERAPY RESEARCH GROUP
The Cancer Gene Therapy Group focuses its research on the development of alphavirus-derived self-replicating RNA-based vectors to express immunostimulatory molecules locally in tumors. These vectors have advantages such as high expression levels, induction of type I interferon (IFN) responses and apoptosis, as well as a high degree of biosafety, since they do not spread.
Cancer immunotherapy using immunomodulatory antibodies such as those directed against immune checkpoints has achieved unprecedented efficacy in the treatment of many types of tumors. However, these antibodies frequently generate toxic effects, something that also happens with cytokines with antitumor properties.
Local expression of these molecules with transient expression vectors based on self-replicating RNA (saRNA, from "self-amplifying RNA") is therefore a promising strategy.
The rise of mRNA vaccines suggests that the future lies in the delivery of these vectors in the form of RNA, for which it is necessary to develop more efficient delivery strategies.
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Objectives of the Cancer Gene Therapy
Research Group
Development of saRNA vectors expressing immunomodulatory nanobodies, immunocytokines and molecules inhibiting tumor cell adhesion and migration.
Development of non-viral vectors capable of efficiently transferring saRNA to tumors using lipid nanoparticles, cationic polymers or electroporation.
Development of new strategies to transfer DNA to tumors, including DNA capable of transcribing saRNA.
Meet the research team
Actividad científica del Grupo de Investigación de
Terapia Génica para Cáncer
Latest scientific publications
- Adenovirus-Mediated Inducible Expression of a PD-L1 Blocking Antibody in Combination with Macrophage Depletion Improves Survival in a Mouse Model of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Apr 17, 2021 | Magazine: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Optimization of a GDNF production method based on Semliki Forest virus vector Apr 1, 2021 | Magazine: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Heme oxygenase-1 inducer hemin does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus infection Feb 13, 2021 | Magazine: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
- Quantification of Pharmacokinetic Profiles of PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies by Validated ELISAs Jun 26, 2020 | Magazine: Pharmaceutics