Comparative Immunotherapy Program

These therapies use immune cells, most commonly white blood cells known as T cells, NK cells or iNKT cells, that are most commonly isolated from the patient, genetically engineered outside the body to augment their specificity and function and then re-administered to the patient. These cells are most commonly used in the treatment of cancer. Other cell types such as regulatory or suppressor T cells are being explored for their ability to suppress the immune response in situations of organ transplantation or in cases of an over-exuberant immune response such as excessive inflammation or auto-immunity. Cell collection (apheresis) from canine patients for cellular therapies is performed by our extracorporeal therapy team.

Monoclonal antibodies that block inhibitory checkpoint signals in T cells are known as checkpoint inhibitors. These antibodies through their mechanism of action augment immune responses and have led to significant, durable clinical responses in human patients with cancer. They are also being explored for their ability to augment immune responses against infectious disease such as malaria and HIV.

Cytokines are proteins used by the immune system to communicate between cells and orchestrate immune responses. Cytokine therapy can be used to augment anti-tumor immune responses. Engineering of cellular components such as T cells to secrete cytokines upon activation is a promising strategy being used to increase anti-tumor responses in patients with solid tumors.

Antibodies are proteins that specific target molecules on the surface of host cells, (including canine, feline, and human cells) as well as bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Monoclonal antibodies are amongst the most successful category of immunotherapies and are being actively developed for veterinary patients with diseases such as cancer, infectious disease, and inflammatory disease. Checkpoint inhibitors are most commonly monoclonal antibodies.

Non-specific immune modulators include BCG, IL-2 and STING agonists are used to enhance a non-specific immune response against cancers and/or infectious disease.

Oncolytic viruses are being explored for the treatment of cancer. These viruses aim to primarily infect tumor cells and lead to tumor destruction. Tumor destruction may then expose the immune system to cancer antigens and boost further immune responses.

Vaccines are used to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attach invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites. They are also used to stimulate the immune system to fight against cancer cells. A vaccine exposes the immune system to an antigen, which prompts an immune response. This helps the immune system recognize cancer cells as foreign so it can destroy them. Vaccines can be used to both prevent and treat disease.