Immune Cell Tracking of immunotherapy Response in Orthotopic Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Model

IMV Inc. is developing injectable cancer immune therapy using the company’s DPXTM technology. DPX is a patented formulation that displays excellent tumor control and provides a long lasting and specific effect). DPX can be tailored to various cancers via the use of tumor specific components in the formula. The way by which this therapy exerts its effect is unclear but the research team at IMV, along with the researchers at Dr. Kimberly Brewer’s lab, is determined to discover its mechanism of action and why their proprietary DPX technology delivers superior responses in comparison to other forms of injectable therapies. This project aims to figure out how DPX-Survivac, their lead immunotherapy formulation, along with combined therapies, affect immune cell populations in a preclinical model for ovarian cancer. Some immune system components, like T and B cells, will be labeled so that they can be tracked using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to elucidate where and how the body responds to the treatments. Figuring out how immune therapies interact with the immune system will help decipher why DPX’s technology is efficient and how treatment combinations and timing could be modified for a better response.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kimberly Brewer

Student:

Jessica Thandara Gosse

Partner:

IMV Inc

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University