Extending the chemical space of mAb based cancer treatment with DNA nanostructures

The overall aim of this project is to produce potent, targeted anti-cancer immunotherapy drugs with limited toxicity in patients. There are 3 objectives: 1) Design and synthesis of a simplified and stable DNA nanopore 2) Synthesis of a cleavable linker for attachment to the immune-stimulating antibody

3) Combining of the modular system for in vitro functional studies

This project will offer the student interdisciplinary skills in chemistry and immunology. The student will be based in Chemistry and in the Centre for Cancer Immunology (CCI). The first half of the studentship will be based primarily in Chemistry, focusing on DNA synthesis and conjugation.

The student will receive training in organic chemistry related to nucleic acid synthesis and peptide synthesis and DNA analytical methods. During this time the student will also be introduced to cancer immunology through the weekly journal clubs and Cancer Sciences seminars.