Delivery of DNA nanoparticles coding for an immunosuppressive agent (ISA-PP) to gut mucosa for GvHD treatment

Bone marrow transplantation is an effective treatment for blood-related malignancies. However, it frequently results in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a life-threatening condition where donor immune cells attack host tissue. It is due to individual genetic differences, present even when the donor is closely related, and results in damage to several organs including skin, liver and digestive tract. Novel approaches to treat GvHD are needed as current immunosuppressive treatments work only in a fraction of patients and result in other problems, such as increased mortality due to infections. This research project explores the therapeutic potential of DNA delivery platform technology developed by EnGene Inc. in a mouse model of GvHD. The technology will be used to induce gut-localized expression and release of a therapeutic protein to dampen the immune response specifically in the gut, an important target organ in GvHD.

Faculty Supervisor:

Krista Heinonen

Student:

Partner:

enGene Inc (St-Laurent, QC)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: