Our primary focus is to improve the effectiveness of oncolytic viruses in targeting and eradicating cancer cells. Our research aims to develop innovative approaches that enhance oncovirotherapy, ultimately contributing to more effective cancer treatments.

To achieve this, we employ several strategies:

1. Understanding Cancer Cell Biology: We delve deeply into the biology of cancer cells to identify the most appropriate oncolytic viral treatments. This enables us to tailor therapies that are specifically designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of different cancer types.
2. Combining Viruses with Chemical Compounds: We explore the combination of oncolytic viruses with chemical compounds that enhance their replicative properties. This synergistic approach aims to boost the oncolytic efficacy of the viruses, making them more effective in destroying cancer cells.
3. Unbiased Genetic Screens: Utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9, we perform unbiased genetic screens to discover novel viral gene enhancers or repressors. These genetic insights help us to potentiate oncolytic virotherapy, optimizing the virus's ability to target and kill cancer cells.

We investigate the intricate interactions between host cells and viruses focusing on viral replication mechanisms, and the host's innate immune responses. By dissecting these interactions, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of viral infections and the host's defence strategies in cancer cells. Moreover, we also consider the metabolic aspects of host-virus interactions. Viruses often manipulate host cell metabolism to favor their replication and survival. Our research explores how viral infections alter metabolic pathways in host cells and how these changes impact both viral propagation and immune responses. The interplay between metabolism and immune response is crucial, as metabolic reprogramming induced by viruses can affect the effectiveness of the host's immune defence. Understanding these metabolic changes provides new insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for oncolytic virotherapies. This integrative approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the host-virus interplay, incorporating both immune and metabolic perspectives to develop more effective interventions.

Our lab employs a combination of in vivo models, including mice and zebrafish, as well as advanced pre-clinical ex vivo models derived from patient material obtained through our clinician collaborators. This comprehensive approach allows us to study the efficacy and mechanisms of oncolytic virotherapy in a variety of biological contexts.

Using these animal models, we assess the impact of oncolytic viruses on cancer cells within a living organism, providing valuable insights into their potential as cancer treatments. In addition, our ex vivo models, derived from patient tissues, offer a more personalized and clinically relevant perspective, enabling us to investigate the effects of oncolytic viruses in environments that closely mimic human cancer conditions.This research not only explores the development of novel in vivo and ex vivo models but also aims to better understand the complex interactions between oncolytic viruses and cancer. By integrating insights from both model systems, we are paving the way for improved and more effective cancer therapies.

Our lab integrates research from oncolytic virotherapy, host-virus interactions, metabolic pathways, and advanced pre-clinical models to engineer novel oncolytic viruses. By combining insights from these areas, we aim to create more effective and precisely targeted therapies.

1. Transgene Encoding: We design oncolytic viruses to encode transgenes that enhance therapeutic effects, such as boosting immune responses or degrading tumor stroma.
2. Silencing Strategies: We incorporate elements to regulate viral gene expression, ensuring controlled replication and minimizing side effects.

By leveraging our comprehensive research, we aim to develop safe, powerful oncolytic viruses that optimize cancer treatment.