Development of Novel Vaccines and Therapeutics Using Plant-Based Expression Systems

摘要

The primary focus of this award is to support the development of the Owensboro Cancer Research Program. Projects include the development of the soybean peptide lunasin as a chemoprevention agent; the development of the antiviral proteins griffithsin and actinohivin; and functional analysis of genes important for embryonic stem cell development and differentiation into neuronal stem cells. The development of lunasin as a chemoprevention agent and/or therapeutic is now at the point where preclinical studies can be started as a prelude to potential clinical trials. The development of griffithsin has been significantly advanced, particularly with respect to indications other than HIV. It is anticipated that preclinical studies of griffithsin will be largely completed during the next two years. It is anticipated that the utility of actinohivin as an antiviral microbicide will be clearly delineated over the next year. Although the stem cell is the most basic project being supported, it has significant relevance to developing methods for controlling the differentiation of neuronal stem cells from embryonic stem cells. Specific product oriented research will be initiated when a clear target emerges from this preliminary work.