Immune modulation with checkpoint inhibitor antibodies targeting GITR or OX40 to improve cancer immune therapy with DepoVaxTM vaccine and metronomic cyclophosphamide

Immunovaccine Inc. is developing immune therapies for cancer using the companys DepoVaxTM vaccine technology. DepoVax is a patented formulation provides controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens and adjuvants to the immune system, resulting in a strong, specific and sustained immune response. Immunovaccines translational research team is focused on improving responses in advanced cancers by combining DepoVax based vaccines with novel immune modulators in order to improve clinical trial design. We have previously demonstrated that metronomic cyclophosphamide in combination with DepoVax vaccination increases CD8+ T cell responses in tumor bearing mice, and results were recapitulated in human clinical studies. In this project, DepoVax will be evaluated in combination with agonist antibodies towards the checkpoint molecules GITR and OX40 which are primarily expressed on T cells and are reported to enhance their activity. We will also evaluate combining DepoVax with a histamine antagonist that has reported to reduce immune suppressive cells induced by tumors. The results of this study will help to identify the best combinatorial treatments Immunovaccine should pursue in clinical testing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean Marshall

Student:

Ava Vila-Leahey

Partner:

Immunovaccine Inc.

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

Dalhousie University