Swartz:Research/VLPs: Difference between revisions
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The Virus-Like Particles team in the [[Swartz| Swartz Lab]] focuses on developing Biotechnology-based solutions using VLPs. Early work using the cell free protein synthesis platform, enable the targeted replacement of non-natural amino acids into our VLPs allow for the direct bioconjugation of functional molecules to the surface. In addition, recent work has allowed us to stablize the VLP with additional disulfide bonds as well as alter the surface charges to allow conjugation of wider variety of ligands. We are currently using out virus-like particle platform to address a range of human health problems such as circulating tumor cell enumeration, lymphoma vaccine design, iron oxide nanoparticle delivery to prostate cancer cells, Parkinson's therapeutic delivery, and HIV vaccine design and can be broken down into three main focus areas. | The Virus-Like Particles team in the [[Swartz| Swartz Lab]] focuses on developing Biotechnology-based solutions using VLPs. Early work using the cell free protein synthesis platform, enable the targeted replacement of non-natural amino acids into our VLPs allow for the direct bioconjugation of functional molecules to the surface. In addition, recent work has allowed us to stablize the VLP with additional disulfide bonds as well as alter the surface charges to allow conjugation of wider variety of ligands. We are currently using out virus-like particle platform to address a range of human health problems such as circulating tumor cell enumeration, lymphoma vaccine design, iron oxide nanoparticle delivery to prostate cancer cells, Parkinson's therapeutic delivery, and HIV vaccine design and can be broken down into three main focus areas. | ||
'''1) | '''1) VLPs as vaccine scaffolds (Julie Fogarty)''' | ||
We are currently developing VLPs for the vaccination against B cell lymphoma and HIV. Using the VLP we can conjugate specific immuno stimulatory agents on the surface simultaneously with specific disease carrying epitopes to trigger the native immune response. | We are currently developing VLPs for the vaccination against B cell lymphoma and HIV. Using the VLP we can conjugate specific immuno stimulatory agents on the surface simultaneously with specific disease carrying epitopes to trigger the native immune response. | ||
'''2) | '''2) VLPs for use as a drug delivery vehicle, including screening capabilities (Marcus Rohovie, Maya Nagasawa)''' | ||
By conjugating antibody fragments for specific disease markers, we can build custom VLPs to target specific cells, and upon endocytosis release a packaged cargo to the target cell similar to natural viruses. Through this method the delivery of small molecule treatments could be targeted, resulting in lower required doses, and fewer off target effects. | By conjugating antibody fragments for specific disease markers, we can build custom VLPs to target specific cells, and upon endocytosis release a packaged cargo to the target cell similar to natural viruses. Through this method the delivery of small molecule treatments could be targeted, resulting in lower required doses, and fewer off target effects. | ||
'''3) | '''3) VLPs for use in medical imaging/diagnostics (Benjamin Ko, Rinchu Mathew)''' | ||
Our third area of focus relies on targeting of VLPs to specific cells using biomarkers but instead of delivering small molecule drugs, we seek to package an imaging agent. We are currently focused on packaging of FeO nanoparticles for improved contrast and specificity for MRI. We are also developing technology in order to detect and enumerate circulating tumor cells for early detection and diagnosis of cancer cells. | Our third area of focus relies on targeting of VLPs to specific cells using biomarkers but instead of delivering small molecule drugs, we seek to package an imaging agent. We are currently focused on packaging of FeO nanoparticles for improved contrast and specificity for MRI. We are also developing technology in order to detect and enumerate circulating tumor cells for early detection and diagnosis of cancer cells. | ||
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Former Members; Wei Chan, Yuan Lu, Kedar Petal, Chris VanLang | Former Members; Wei Chan, Yuan Lu, Kedar Petal, Chris VanLang | ||
Revision as of 10:39, 29 September 2014
| Research | Papers | People | Contact |
The Virus-Like Particles team in the Swartz Lab focuses on developing Biotechnology-based solutions using VLPs. Using the cell free protein synthesis platform, we are able to include non-natural amino acids into our VLPs allow for the direct bioconjugation of functional molecules to the surface.
The Virus-Like Particles team in the Swartz Lab focuses on developing Biotechnology-based solutions using VLPs. Early work using the cell free protein synthesis platform, enable the targeted replacement of non-natural amino acids into our VLPs allow for the direct bioconjugation of functional molecules to the surface. In addition, recent work has allowed us to stablize the VLP with additional disulfide bonds as well as alter the surface charges to allow conjugation of wider variety of ligands. We are currently using out virus-like particle platform to address a range of human health problems such as circulating tumor cell enumeration, lymphoma vaccine design, iron oxide nanoparticle delivery to prostate cancer cells, Parkinson's therapeutic delivery, and HIV vaccine design and can be broken down into three main focus areas.
1) VLPs as vaccine scaffolds (Julie Fogarty)
We are currently developing VLPs for the vaccination against B cell lymphoma and HIV. Using the VLP we can conjugate specific immuno stimulatory agents on the surface simultaneously with specific disease carrying epitopes to trigger the native immune response.
2) VLPs for use as a drug delivery vehicle, including screening capabilities (Marcus Rohovie, Maya Nagasawa)
By conjugating antibody fragments for specific disease markers, we can build custom VLPs to target specific cells, and upon endocytosis release a packaged cargo to the target cell similar to natural viruses. Through this method the delivery of small molecule treatments could be targeted, resulting in lower required doses, and fewer off target effects.
3) VLPs for use in medical imaging/diagnostics (Benjamin Ko, Rinchu Mathew)
Our third area of focus relies on targeting of VLPs to specific cells using biomarkers but instead of delivering small molecule drugs, we seek to package an imaging agent. We are currently focused on packaging of FeO nanoparticles for improved contrast and specificity for MRI. We are also developing technology in order to detect and enumerate circulating tumor cells for early detection and diagnosis of cancer cells.
Former Members; Wei Chan, Yuan Lu, Kedar Petal, Chris VanLang
