Immuno-oncology
Our research is focused on the development and validation of new biological drugs and on combination therapies, where we wish to develop therapies with optimal activation of tumor-specific T cells.
Our work is oriented towards development and evaluation of novel biologicals and combinations thereof, where activation of tumor-specific T cells is key. Our research is also focused on off-target effects related to these therapies, such as interactions with Fc receptors, the complement system and how this can be studied in humanized model systems. In a human whole blood model we have studied both adverse events in the form of first-infusion reactions related to interactions with immune cells and cascade systems (Fletcher et al.,2018), as well as recall responses using peptide conjugates incorporating known T cell epitopes and how these responses are modulated by various immune modulating drug candidates.
In addition, we have focused our research on tumor-localized immunotherapy and specifically oriented towards bladder cancer. With the aim to locally enhance immune activation in the tumor micro-environment and tumor-draining lymph node, while sparing unnecessary systemic activation thereby avoiding induction of auto-immune symptoms. Bladder cancer is unique in that locally instilled therapy can be performed and studied.
We are also working on a new and exciting drug development project in collaboration with ”SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development platform”.