Project description
Advanced cancer nanovaccines
Cancer vaccines represent a groundbreaking approach to harnessing the immune system’s ability to recognise and eliminate cancer cells. They utilise tumour-associated antigens or neoantigens to activate dendritic cells and prime T-cells for an effective anti-tumour response. However, efficient antigen delivery and long-term immunity represent key challenges that need to be addressed. The ERC-funded ImmuNovation project brings forward a nanoplatform to deliver antigens to dendritic cells for enhanced immune responses and long-lasting anti-tumour immunity. Researchers will deliver CEACAM5 antigens and immune modulators to gastrointestinal cancer, positioning nanovaccines as a transformative and commercially viable cancer immunotherapy.
Objective
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 systems 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.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC2
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.