The research project focuses on the synthesis, characterisation and application of a novel therapeutic nanovaccine (TNVax) that holds multiple modules for targeting glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The use of TNVax nanoparticles offers a combinatorial approach in killing GBM cells both by immuno- and chemo- therapeutically. Site-specific delivery of the payload will stimulate the host immune system and channel the immune cells to the target site. This approach would enhance the amount of anti-tumour activity offered by multiple means and thereby leaving a strong immune response against GBM based on antigen-antibody interactions. TNVax NPs will be synthesised and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies will be carried out and histopathological examinations performed using appropriate murine models induced with GBM cell lines. The potential outcomes of the proposed studies will help patients who suffer from early and advanced GBM by eradicating the disease permanently and leaving good immunological memory.
Schematic representation of glioma therapeutic nanovaccine interaction with cancer cells.
This research project will commence in October 2017 and will end in October 2019.
This project has received funding of EUR 195,455 from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions initiative. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide grants for all stages of researchers' careers and encourage transnational, intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility. The MSCA enable research-focused organisations to host talented foreign researchers and to create strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide. Dr Sreejith Raveendran is supported as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow to complete this project.
This project has received funding from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellows (IF) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 749403.
TNVax NPs will be synthesised and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In vitro studies will be performed for drug release kinetics and cytotoxicity using immunofluorescence and FACS analysis. Activation of immune system by TNVax NPs will be evaluated by analysing the amount of immune response induced and production of immune products. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies will be carried out and histopathological examinations performed using appropriate murine models induced with GBM cell lines.
This research project is ongoing; output, findings and impact will be updated in due course.
Research team
Dr Irina Savina, Principal Investigator
Dr Sreejith Raveendran, MSCA Individual Fellow
Output
This research project is ongoing; output will be updated in due course.
Partners
Dr Mo Alavijeh, Pharmidex
Dr Ross Shevchenko, Pharmidex