TARGETING CANCER TUMORS USING A NATURALLY REFINED PARASITE HOST ANCHOR PROTEIN

In this project we will combine knowledge from two different research fields, namely parasitology and cancer biology, to develop a novel approach to target a variety of cancer tumors with high specificity. The malaria parasite P.falciparum has evolved a protein (VAR2CSA) that allows infected human blood cells to bind a sugar structure called CSA on cells of the placenta. We have recently discovered that the same CSA structure is also expressed on human cancer cells and is associated with advanced cancer stage. We propose to take advantage of this interaction to transport and deliver chemotherapies directly to the tumor environment. Using engineered versions of malarial VAR2CSA (rVAR2), our partner developed a variety of rVAR2 Drug conjugates (VDC). Using our expertise in preclinical studies, we will screen and characterize this panel of VDC in cancer cell lines and mice models and move this novel technology towards clinical utility.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mads Daugaard

Student:

Partner:

Kairos Therapeutics Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: