The recruitment of regulatory T cells to ovarian cancer tumors has been negatively correlated with patient survival outcome. To this end we are developing a novel adenoviral vector targeted to these regulatory T cells. Allowing the patients immune system to better recognize and kill the tumor cells.
Il-18, an inflammatory cytokine, has been associated with many inflammatory diseases such as 4rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. A native down regulator of IL-18, IL-18 binding protein may be a possible therapeutic target for treatment of inflammatory disease. We are currently developing a gutless adenovirus to deliver long term expression of secreted IL-18 binding protein to the pulmonary vasculature for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Novel locations for the incorporation of heterlogous peptides may help to further expand the adenovirus vectors uses. We are currently exploring minor capsid protein IIIa for peptide as a site for targeting ligands to expand the ability of pIIIa to infect low CAR cells.
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