The development of bispecific antibodies to promote proapoptotic immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Centre for Cancer Res and Cell Biology
Abstract
Over the last 40 years in the U.K. there has been no improvement in pancreatic cancer survival rates. Currently less than 5% survive 5 years after diagnosis with the disease. It is a highly complex disease that is resistant to most current treatment strategies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As such there is an urgent need to try develop more effective ways of treating this devastating disease.
This project; through collaboration with Fusion Antibodies Ltd, who have over 15 years' experience in the medical research industry, will develop and evaluate a novel bispecific antibody designed to target pancreatic cancer. The main advantage of using a bispecific antibody is its unique ability to bind to two distinct targets.
The antibody will be designed so that it interacts with both tumour cells, and cells in the surrounding microenvironment. The aim is to induce tumour cell death while also causing the stimulation and maturation of key activating components of the immune system.
Ultimately it is hoped this project will lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, an area of acute clinical need.
This project; through collaboration with Fusion Antibodies Ltd, who have over 15 years' experience in the medical research industry, will develop and evaluate a novel bispecific antibody designed to target pancreatic cancer. The main advantage of using a bispecific antibody is its unique ability to bind to two distinct targets.
The antibody will be designed so that it interacts with both tumour cells, and cells in the surrounding microenvironment. The aim is to induce tumour cell death while also causing the stimulation and maturation of key activating components of the immune system.
Ultimately it is hoped this project will lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, an area of acute clinical need.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR/P015638/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1962339 | Studentship | MR/P015638/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 | Anna Boland |
| Description | Intracellular Variable New Antigen Receptors (iVNARs): novel, highly selective biological tools |
| Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2018 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | Ongoing Collaboration with Fusion Antibodies PLC |
| Organisation | Fusion CDT |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Myself and those at QUB involved in this project have contributed key knowledge of the basic biology of the pathways being targeted by the antibodies under development to allow for intelligent and rational screening. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Fusion Antibodies have helped guide this project with their extensive antibody engineering experience in order to aid in the design and development of novel monoclonals for later combination into a bispecific format to target pancreatic cancer. They have allowed access to their facilities and equipment to aid this process |
| Impact | No tangible outcomes as of yet. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Description | Lab Tour for Legenderry Cancer Research UK team |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | Members of the Legenderry cancer research UK group visited the centre and had a lab tour, where we were afforded the opportunity of discussing our research with them and demonstrating some common lab techniques. This sparked questions and discussions and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | School Visit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | 60 pupils from Friends School Lisburn visited the PGJCCR QUB, they underwent a lab tour and subsequent lab based activities which I helped supervise and facilitate. These activities and tours sparked questions and discussion throughout and helped to inform the children of the type of work undertaken in the centre. Several children had questions about how to have a career in research (uni choices etc) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | World Cancer Research Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Supporters |
| Results and Impact | As part of world cancer research day several groups participated in lab tours of the PGJCCR QUB and it was used as an opportunity to discuss research with both members of the public and key stakeholders that had made donations to the centre and various representatives from charities and funding bodies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |