Development of Antibody-Based Agents for Immunotherapy

Chemokines and their receptors are proteins involved in homeostasis of the immune system and inflammatory responses that are also involved in growth control, tumor progression and metastasis. The chemokine receptor CCR9, which directs the differentiation of T cells and their migration to the intestine, is overexpressed in certain tumors. Our group is investigating whether CCR9 could be considered as a new target for anti-tumor therapy. We are analyzing whether CCR9-specific monoclonal antibodies, generated in our laboratory, inhibit the growth of human tumors in xenogeneic animal models. In the context of the CNB NanoBioMedicine Initiative, we are generating and characterizing antibodies that specifically target nanoparticles to different cell types and tissues. We have designed immunoassays for the detection and quantification of pegylated molecules, liposomes and nanoparticles for their use in pharmacokinetic studies.