 |
We have already identified more than 100 molecules that could be applicable for development of molecular-targeted anticancer therapies. The type of anticancer drug for the molecule was defined by their subcellular localization, mode of function, and immunogenicity.
1. Antibodies (for treatment and diagnosis)
We selected cell-membrane proteins and secreted autocrine growth-factors for development of antibodies. In order to develop therapeutic antibodies targeting cancer-specific molecules, we established a consortium with Medical&Biological Laboratories Co., Ltd.(MBL) and Institute for Antibodies Co., Ltd.(IFA) and the developed mouse and/or human monoclonal antibodies and human antibodies. Antibodies will be further studied according to their characteristics and activities.
2. Small-molecular drugs and RNAi medicines
For all selected molecules that are considered to be candidates for development of small-molecular drugs and RNAi medicines, we examined phenotype(s) of the cells when they were treated with gene-specific siRNA to investigate the function of protein during human carcinogenesis. In parallel, we have been attempted to establish the screening method that can be applied for the high-throughput screening system of small-molecular drugs, and inhibitors against the protein-protein interaction.
3. Peptide vaccines
For the genes that considered to be either of cancer-specific proteins, cancer-testis proteins, and oncofetal proteins. We have screened their immunoreactivity. Among these candidate molecules, we have identified a number of peptides that can elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). These peptides have been further investigated for the suitability for cancer immunotherapy. This project is currently undertaken by Vaccine Science Co., a subsidiary company of OTS.
 |
 |
|
|
