"National Program for Research and Training for Technologies in Oncology" 2000-2003, MURST, XI theme "Identification of molecules involved in the immune response and assessment of their po#273949E
Project Objectives
- Training program:
- To train staff on the main analytical and instrumental laboratory techniques employed.
- To provide knowledge on the use of basic techniques for molecular biology and immunology.
- To train staff to independently manage their own research.
Research Program:
As part of the research program, the generation of a prototype of multigenic plasmid vector for the simultaneous eukaryotic expression of several coding regions is planned. This vector is generated by optimization and assembly of regulatory and coding sequences into an innovative plasmid. In this first phase, a prototype of a specific vector for DNA vaccination that can be used as a model for subsequent studies is generated.
Based on this prototype vector, vectors expressing immune-stimulatory molecules and specific antigens together with regulatory sequences for gene expression and/or the processing of the antigen and/or the immune-stimulation are generated. In addition, these vectors contain regulatory sequences for eukaryotic gene expression. The plasmid vectors are designed to contain all the sequences necessary for gene expression and immunomodulation.
This strategy leads to the generation of multigenic and/or polycistronic vectors, by the incorporation of 2 or more transcription units and/or ribosomal binding sites (rbs) to introduce multiple translational start sites. The study is conducted by using both available vectors and new generated plasmids.
In particular, studies for the generation of plasmid vectors specific for DNA vaccination, which constitute a useful starting point for the development of new vectors dedicated to this project, have been already conducted. (Engineering is of a prototype family of plasmid vectors specific to immunotherapy through the inclusion of two autonomous transcription units for the co-expression of an immune-modulatory cytokine and the selected antigen and the description of a method for the expression of short gene sequences encoding for the specific hapten).
Start/End Date
January 15, 2000 - January 15, 2003
Principal Investigator
Prof. Vito Michele Fazio
Host Institution
Norpharma S.p.A.
Source of funding
MURST