DNA modules as communicators in tumor immunomodulation

Our goal is to develop all-DNA structures (protocells) that can act as modulators of the immune system and, in particular, of signaling processes in oncology. Molecular DNA switches that interact with cells via aptamers have been developed and used for drug delivery, cell imaging, and potential therapies. However, there are several advantages of incorporating these swithces into protocells, such as the protection of these circuits against degradation, the ability to create gradients and as a delviery method for in vivo application. DNA protocells that (i) have the ability to recognize proteins and small molecules and (ii) amplify signals and generate output that alters cell physiology have not yet been developed. Realizing these structures requires filling a gap in our knowledge of how of how aptamer reactions network in confinement. We anticipate that by filling these gaps in our knowledge, we will be able to produce a pure DNA protocell that can harbor aptamer-based response networks for modulation of intercelullar communication in the tumor microenvironment.