Activating the localized immune response in respiratory syncytial virus and cancer

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of respiratory infection with the majority of the health and economic burden falling on young children and elderly individuals. The development of an efficacious vaccine is critical to help reduce the disease burden of RSV. I evaluated a novel nanoparticle-based vaccine candidate containing a surface protein from RSV along with an immune-stimulating adjuvant. I found that two doses of the vaccine protected animals from secondary infection. The vaccine also generated a strong immune response both systemically and locally within the lungs. I further tested the vaccine in two model systems with increased diversity. I found that the vaccine also protected a diverse population from viral replication and induced a long-lasting immune response to RSV. Overall, my work provides important information necessary for the continued development of a nanoparticle-based RSV vaccine.

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally with limited effective and safe treatment options available. High doses of vitamin C administered intravenously has recently emerged as a safe and effective treatment for multiple cancers. I evaluated the impact of vitamin C administration on the anti-tumor immune response. I found that daily treatment with high-dose vitamin C reduced the size of tumors. Daily vitamin C administration also increased the anti-tumor immune response within the tumor. Overall, my work provides critical knowledge for the development of alternative treatments for cancer.