H2020-MSCA-Individual Fellowship - Targeting Glioblastoma using Combinatorial Therapeutic Nanovaccine

The research project focuses on the synthesis, characterisation and application of a novel therapeutic nanovaccine (TNVax) that holds multiple modules for targeting glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The use of TNVax nanoparticles offers a combinatorial approach in killing GBM cells both by immuno- and chemo- therapeutically. Site-specific delivery of the payload will stimulate the host immune system and channel the immune cells to the target site.

This approach would enhance the amount of anti-tumour activity offered by multiple means and thereby leaving a strong immune response against GBM based on antigen-antibody interactions. TNVax NPs will be synthesised and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies will be carried out and histopathological examinations performed using appropriate murine models induced with GBM cell lines. The potential outcomes of the proposed studies will help patients who suffer from early and advanced GBM by eradicating the disease permanently and leaving good immunological memory.

This project offers a strategic immunotherapeutic approach to target glioblastoma (GBM) through nanodrug delivery in combination with chemotherapy. The project design focuses on a pentavalent therapeutic nanovaccine formulation that can specifically target GBM using hollow gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

The main aim of this project is to develop a multipotent theragnostic nanovaccine (TNVax) for targeting malignant GBM cells. TNVax NPs will be synthesised and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and then subjected to in vitro and in vivo evaluations. In vitro studies will be performed for drug release kinetics and cytotoxicity using immunofluorescence and FACS analysis. Activation of immune system by TNVax NPs will be evaluated by analysing the amount of immune response induced and production of immune products. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies will be carried out and histopathological examinations performed using appropriate murine models induced with GBM cell lines.

This project has received funding of EUR 195,455 from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions initiative. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide grants for all stages of researchers' careers and encourage transnational, intersectoral and interdisciplinary mobility. The MSCA enable research-focused organisations to host talented foreign researchers and to create strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide. Dr Sreejith Raveendran is supported as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow to complete this project.