Modular Targeted Nanoplatform for Immune Cell Regulation and Therapy

Cancer is a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. The striking rise of immunotherapies has transformed the way we prevent and treat cancer. Nevertheless, despite the promising clinical results of immunotherapies, they suffer from multiple limitations, including manufacturing challenges, limited efficacy, toxicity, and high costs. Recent data highlight the promising role of personalized cancer vaccines in inducing effective antitumor immunity in patients suffering from aggressive forms of cancer. However, systems suitable for targeted delivery of multiple agents required for long-lasting patient immunity are required. ImmuNovation is focused on TNM (Targeted Nano-immunoModulator), a multifunctional dendritic cell-targeted nanovaccine designed to regulate the function and phenotype of immune cells with a pivotal role in the induction of an effective, specific, and long-lasting antitumor immunity. Here, we will evaluate the technical and commercial viability of our novel nanoplatform (developed during my ERC Advanced Grant, 3DBrainStrom) for the targeted therapy of various cancer types. As proof of concept, we will focus on immunotherapy for CEACAM5+ gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which affect more than 4.8 million new cases per year and cause 3.4 million related deaths worldwide. The nanovaccine will introduce CEACAM5 antigens and various immune modulators with synergistic mechanisms of action to dendritic cells, thus boosting the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy GI cancer cells. The proposed nanoplatform represents an affordable alternative to current immunotherapies, with enhanced tumour selectivity, efficacy, and safety profile. My vision is that our nanovaccines will change the landscape of the standard of care for many cancer types. Our platform offers a highly attractive business case, as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies heavily invest in cancer vaccines due to the need for cancer prevention and therapeutic strategies.