Optimizing cell therapy manufacturing utilizing small molecule viral sensitizers

The current challenge in cell therapies lies in the inefficient delivery of genes to target cells, resulting in costly manufacturing processes. This project aims to identify and validate small molecule viral sensitizers (VSEs) that enhance the efficiency of cell therapy production. These VSEs will streamline the manufacturing process, making cell therapies more accessible and cost-effective. Our project will focus on developing high-throughput methods to assess the transduction efficiency of various transgenes, delivered either through lentivirus or virus-free genomic platforms. Evaluation will be conducted in relevant therapeutic cell types, such as T-cells and NK cells, both with and without VSEs, to identify the most effective compounds. The selected VSEs will undergo further refinement for application in a manufacturing setting, where we anticipate their substantial impact on cell therapy production. This research promises to revolutionize the field and address current limitations in cell therapy, thereby improving access to cell therapies for patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Simon Diallo;Michele Ardolino

Student:

Partner:

Virica Biotech

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: