Immunobiology of Cancer Seminar M262C - Spring Quarter 2025

Targeted Protein Degradation for Cancer Resistance in Immunotherapy

Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a rapidly emerging treatment strategy to remove protein-mediated resistance in cancer cells. The latest advances are a modality in immunotherapy with a focus on the innovative applications and cutting edge research of PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras). TPD can modulate the immune system by targeting key regulators of immune responses, such as cytokines, transcription factors, and immune checkpoints. In cancer therapy, over ten TPD molecules are currently undergoing clinical trials. TPDs offer a targeted approach by selectively breaking down oncogenic proteins critical for cancer survival and progression while sparing normal cells. The combination of TPD and cancer immunotherapy has many advantages, namely, (i) overcoming resistance mechanisms (ii) complementary mechanisms of action (iii) enhancement of tumor antigen presentation (iv) enhanced CAR T cell therapy (v) synergistic effects on the TME (vi) personalized and combination therapies and (vii) potential for novel therapeutic targets. Several of these advantages will be discussed in class.

Format of the course: It is desirable (not required) for the student to have knowledge in the fields of immunology and biology. All students will participate in weekly presentations and critical discussions of selected research publications on PROTACs. Further, for the final, each student will prepare a mini-research proposal on the theme of this class that will be presented orally and submitted in a written format.

First session will meet on Tuesday April 1, 2025

Classes will meet online (zoom) on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:50 pm 

For any information regarding the course, please contact:

Dr. Bonavida. [email protected]

James Economou, M.D., Ph.D. [email protected]

Joseph Crompton, M.D., Ph.D., [email protected]