In our unit we have two major lines of research:

We are using bacteria to successfully exploit antigen presentation and to develop new ways to target tumor antigens into dendritic cells. We are also using bacteria to target tumor cells via the generation of intelligent missiles that will recognize only tumor cells and will deliver payloads of enzymes important for the catabolization of prodrugs into active anticancer agents. Finally, we are trying to understand the mechanism of resistance to tumor targeted therapy that involves the activation of the immune system.

In the second line of research, as a deregulation in bacterial handling has been associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease, we want to understand the basis of bacterial handling in the gut. We found that even though dendritic cells encounter bacteria in the gut they are inhibited in their inflammatory potential. We are studying how deregulation in bacteria handling can affect the homeostasis of the gut and eventually lead to cancer or inflammatory bowel disorders.