Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy
"We work on anti-cancer strategies such as the use of monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic tools that provide instructions to immune system cells to eradicate tumors."
DR. IGNACIO MELERO BERMEJO
SENIOR RESEARCHER. COMBINATION STRATEGIES FOR TRANSLATIONAL IMMUNOTHERAPY RESEARCH GROUP
The Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy Group at Cima, integrated in the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra, focuses on identifying and developing new immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies and mechanisms of action of antitumor immunity to exploit them in combined immunotherapy strategies against cancer.
Our group is formed by researchers and clinicians who approach cancer immunotherapy from an interdisciplinary and highly translational perspective. We use novel models and experimental approaches both at the preclinical level and from a translational approach.
Our group participates in multiple early clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy that include first administrations to humans.
We rely on animal models, human samples from cancer patients, and a team with extensive experience in immune cell biology, immunology, and clinical oncology to answer our experimental questions from a comprehensive approach.
Dr. Ignacio Melero
GROUP LEADER
| +34 948 194 700 | Ext. 81 4030 | |
| imelero@unav.es | |
| Research profile |
Oncology research integrated in the
Cancer Center Clinica Universidad de Navarra
Objectives of the Research Group in
Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy
Modulation of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment by local injection of different immunomodulatory agents and compounds.
Exploitation of cross-presentation (crosspriming) and specialized crosspriming dendritic cells for activation of anti-tumor immunity.
Study of the molecular mechanisms of co-stimulation and co-inhibition of effector immune cells.
Study of IL-8 as an immunomodulatory mechanism and potential biomarker in cancer.
FROM THE LABORATORY TO THE CLINIC
Regional commitment to translational research
Our group coordinates the Linterna Project, a multicenter project funded by the Government of Navarra, which proposes to strengthen the cutting-edge translational research being carried out in Navarra by research centers, hospital complexes, and pharmaceutical companies.
Lines of research
Objectives:
Development of new preclinical tools for immunotherapy research in melanoma and identification of potential biomarkers.
PI: Bruno Paiva y Patricia Maiso
Objectives:
- Analyze the mechanisms of action and synergy of efficacy in tumor cells and immune system.
- Implement new generation biomarkers to monitor clinical trials.
Meet the research team
Scientific activity of the Combination Strategies for Translational Immunotherapy Research Group
Latest scientific publications
- 4-1BB agonist targeted to fibroblast activation protein α synergizes with radiotherapy to treat murine breast tumor models Feb 11, 2025 | Magazine: Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer
- MHC class I and II-deficient humanized mice are suitable tools to test the long-term antitumor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and T-cell engagers Sep 6, 2024 | Magazine: Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer
- Short-term cultured tumor fragments to study immunotherapy combinations based on CD137 (4-1BB) agonism Jul 9, 2024 | Magazine: Oncoimmunology
- Interleukin-18 in cancer immunology and immunotherapy Dec 7, 2023 | Magazine: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets