Objective
We have recently shown that EGFR over-expressing tumors can be eradicated by an EGFR homing chemical vector, carrying dsRNA. The vector is PolyInosine/Cytosine (PolyIC) bound to Polyethleneimine-Polyethyleneglycol-EGF (PEI-PEG-EGF, PPE). We have shown that even tumors in which up to 50% of cells do not express EGFR are eradicated, due to the strong tumor-localized bystander effects, which involve the innate immune system. Using this EGFR homing vector we have been able to eradicate EGFR overexpressing tumors by either local or systemic application. Since the success of this strategy seems to be due to the strong bystander effects induced by the internalized PolyIC it is likely that heterogeneous tumors, in which only a portion of the cells harbor the targeted receptor, will be eradicated too, as shown in our preliminary studies (PloS Med, 2006). This strategy actually targets the innate immune system to the tumor. We propose to establish tumors in which decreasing portions of cells over-express EGFR and determine the lowest number of EGFR over-expressing cells that can yield tumor eradication by the lowest dose of PolyIC/PPE. The principle behind the success of the Trojan horse approach is that the targeting moiety, EGF, is tethered to the other components of the vector in such a way that it retains its native EGFR binding properties and its ability to internalize with the receptor. The composition of the vector is such that the ligand EGF can be replaced by any other ligand, if the appropriate coupling conditions are used, retaining the ability of the ligand to bind to the target protein and internalize with it. We propose to replace EGF by a number of other ligands, such PSMA binding ligand (targeting prostate cancer) and Her-2 affibodies. Although only a fraction of women who over-express Her-2 respond to Herceptin, it is likely that they will respond to PolyIC/PP-Her-2 affibody.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology prostate cancer
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences basic medicine immunology
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-2009-AdG
See other projects for this call
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.
Host institution
91904 JERUSALEM
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.