Research
VSV as an Oncolytic Agent
Development of VSV as an oncolytic agent
A main aspect of our research focuses on how VSV evades the host immune response. Many human cancers contain defects in their innate immune response, leaving them susceptible to viruses. We are using our knowledge of virus immune evasion strategies to further develop VSV as an oncolytic agent to selectively destroy human prostate cancer cells.
Virus tools to understand innate immunity and age-related diseases
Development of virus tools to understand innate immunity and age-related diseases in the C. elegans model system
In collaboration with Dr. Andrew Samuelson (Department of Biomedical Genetics at the University of Rochester) we are developing virus-based tools to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate the innate immune response and age-associated disease.
Targeted Molecular Imaging
Targeted Molecular Imaging: Lighting up Breast Cancer Cells
In collaboration with Dr. Han Schmitthenner (School of chemistry and materials science at RIT) we are testing targeted agents for triple negative breast cancer cells utilizing confocal fluorescence microscopy. We have excellent preliminary data and will be applying for grants in this area soon!
More detail: https://www.rit.edu/schmitthennerlab/