Investigation of immunological mechanisms ofpeptide immunotherapy

A[though early clinical trials have been positive, peptide vaccine mechanism of action (how tolerance
is induced) is unknown. The primary objective of these studies is to identify changes in gene
expression and cytokine expression that are correlated with vaccine treatment. These changes could
provide insight to mechanisms of action and may reveal potential genetic biomarkers that could then
be validated fpr use in clinical development of peptide vaccines, and also the treatment of allergic
disease.
If this study can identify the key genes can cellu[ar pathways that respond to treatment with a peptide
vaccine to cat allergy, it wil[ represent a great advance in the understanding of the mechanisms of
immunoto[erance. Such knowledge may then be applied to the design of dosing regimens, clinical trial
design, and the development of other peptide based immunotherapeutics.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Larche

Student:

Partner:

Adiga Life Sciences

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McMaster University

Program: