Non-Viral delivery of insulin and IL-10 to the intestine for immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes

There is increasing evidence suggesting a link exists between the gut immune system and several autoimmune diseases, including diabetes. The industrial partner of this project, enGene, has developed an effective non-viral based technology for the delivery of genes to the intestine. enGene has demonstrated the feasibility of delivering IL-10, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, to the intestine and showed therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease.

Gut-localized expression of IL-10 for the treatment and/or prevention of peanut allergy

We will evaluate treatments for peanut allergy, the most severe and persistent form of food allergy. The proposed interventions are based on targeted delivery of interleukin-10 (IL-10) to the intestine. IL-10 is a protein that is known to be a potent regulator of the immune system. enGene has developed EG-10, a novel, state-of-the-art technology that can effectively induce a robust and transient production of interleukin-10 in the intestine, i.e., the site where food absorption occurs and food allergy is initiated.

Non-Viral delivery of insulin and IL-10 to the intestine for immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes Year Two

There is increasing evidence suggesting a link exists between the gut immune system and several autoimmune diseases, including diabetes. The industrial partner of this project, enGene, has developed an effective non-viral based technology for the delivery of genes to the intestine. enGene has demonstrated the feasibility of delivering IL-10, which is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, to the intestine and showed therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory bowel disease.

Non-Viral Gene Delivery to Gut Stem Cells

The internship project will work to deliver a weight loss protein that will combat obesity. The intern will coat DNA for the protein with a natural substance that can be delivered orally or through surgery. If successful, the team expects to see the presence of this weight loss protein in the blood of the specimens. Moreover, the levels should increase after meals and this should encourage less eating and weight loss. enGene, a biotech company specializing in DNA delivery to the gut, will provide the training necessary for this project.