Download Research synopsis - Corey Smith QIMR

Dr Corey Smith – Queensland Institute of Medical
Research
Developing a vaccine strategy to treat EpsteinBarr Virus (EBV) associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The primary aim of this research is to develop an
immunotherapy approach that can be used to treat
patients with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) associated
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in particular patients who do not respond to current
treatment strategies. Current therapies used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma are
successful in approximately 80% of cases, however survival rates in patients who
have relapsed disease are reduced. Other strategies are therefore required to
treat these patients. Cytotoxic T cells (CTL) play an important role in controlling
many diseases. In the Tumour Immunology laboratory at the Queensland
Institute of Medical Research we have developed a CTL vaccine strategy to target
the EBV antigens found in EBV-associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The ultimate aim
of this research is to employ this vaccine therapeutically, either via direct
immunisation or by transfer of CTL generated in vitro using the vaccine.
This project aims to further the understanding of the immune mechanisms
required to generate an effective response capable of controlling and ultimately
eliminating EBV-associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The main focus of the research
is understanding the role CD4 T cells, which can provide help or suppress immune
responses, play in the generation of CTL responses. An understanding of the
influence of CD4 T cells will likely be critical to effectively employ the vaccine to
treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.