Developing a novel pharmacoviral approach combining immunemodulatory antibody-drug conjugates with oncolytic viruses for enhanced immunotherapeutic efficacy

Vector potentiator (VEPOs) are compounds that can enhance the ability of cancer-killing viruses to replicate and kill cancer cells. However, administering these compounds can be problematic as they are inherently toxic. To remedy this problem, we will link these compounds to a highly specific antibody, Trastuzumab, forming a new antibody-drug conjugate compound, T-VEPO. By means of the specific tumour-targeting afforded by the antibody, the VEPOs will now be able to home in on tumours to improve safety, reduce toxicity, and improve effectiveness. These T-VEPOs can also be combined with gene therapy strategies to enhance efficiency of gene delivery, and overall efficacy. Our project focuses on optimizing these combinations for the best approach, and to gather evidence supporting taking these compounds to the clinical stage.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Simon Diallo

Student:

Partner:

Virano

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Biotechnology; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: