Description:

Seminar Title: Anti-Tumor Functionality of PLGA Nanoparticle treatment: An IL-15 and NK Cell Dependent Mechanism

Speaker: Joseph Podojil, PhD/ Miller Lab

Host: Stephen D. Miller, PhD, Professor, Dept. of Microbiology-Immunology

Topic:

Nanoparticle-based cancer therapies have been under development for several decades with efforts primarily focused on the design of nanoparticle carrier systems for enhanced pharmacokinetics (PK), improving the delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors, and reducing toxic side-effects of chemotherapeutics. Recent advances in the field of cancer immunology have highlighted the importance of the immune system during tumor pathogenesis. Numerous studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating immune cells such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells can mount an efficient anti-tumor immune response. However, the expression of immune modulatory checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1 and B7-H4, by APCs within the tumor may inhibit the ability of CD8+ T cells and NK cells to efficiently kill tumor cells.  We have previously reported intravenous injection of biodegradable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) immune modifying nanoparticles (PLGA-IMPs) demonstrate therapeutic immune modulatory effects in several models of acute and chronic inflammation by decreasing the influx of circulating myeloid cell infiltration into inflammatory sites. We postulated that disrupting the influx of immature myeloid precursors of MDSCs and TAMs from the periphery into the tumor microenvironment (TEM) would allow for increased CD8+ T cell and NK cell function within the tumor. 

Zoom Link:

https://northwestern.zoom.us/j/94049358365?pwd=NXo1cjZTTzFONDhvWHk2MzhRQVhZQT09

Meeting ID: 940 4935 8365
Password: 832872