GENETIC MANIPULATION OF TUMOURS TO INDUCE IMMUNE REJECTION [ 2000 - 2002 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Michael Garlepp (Principal investigator)

Brief description The ability to be able to modify tumour growth and bring about tumour rejection by activating the host immune system is a prime objective in many laboratories throughout the world. Our aim is to take advantage of the considerable advances in molecular technology of recent years to develop effective approaches to the modification of tumour cells so that their growth can be inhibited in vivo. The project has three main aims: (i) to identify combinations of genes which, when administered to or expressed in tumour cells will induce protective immune responses against the tumour (ii) to investigate the effectiveness of combination approaches to gene therapy whereby genetic manipulations which cause destruction of tumour cells, or inhibition of blood vessel growth in tumours can be combined with administration of immunologically relevant genes to enhance tumour destruction (iii) to identify molecules which can act as target tumour antigens for the immune response or which are involved in promoting tumour survival so that these genes may be manipulated to enhance the development of anti-tumour immunity. The model we will use to investigate these issues will be malignant mesothelioma (MM). This tumour type is currently untreatable and is resistant to all available forms of therapy. Achievement of the aims described above would lead to the capacity for early treatment of MM. The identification of suitable target antigens has the potential to lead to vaccination protocols for therapy or as a preventative measure. Furthermore, the principles defined in this project will be applicable to the treatment of a variety of other solid tumours which are currently resistant to conventional therapy.

Funding Amount $AUD 396,342.94

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant