TEAM & PROJECTS
Chu Tianjiao

Evaluation of spatio-temporal control of immunogenic cell death induction for enhanced immunotherapy
An immunogenic tumor microenvironment can be created by eliciting immunogenic cell death, which can be achieved by inducing necroptosis. My research will focus on combining cationic polymers and gold nanoparticles, loaded with plasmid DNA (pDNA), to produce biomimetic nanoparticles which could induce immunogenic cell death. The aim is to specifically deliver the particles to different tumor types to study the induced necroptosis and immunogenic cell death in order to obtain a better understanding of the therapeutic efficacy of this methodology. For a more accurate reading of deeper located tissues, non-invasive optical imaging tools will be explored. In this way, my research could help to meet the demand for personalized, targeted and minimally invasive therapies.
Promotor: Prof. Stefaan Soenen
Co-promotor: Dr. Bella Manshian