Investigator:
Jonathan Lovell, PhD
Name of Institution:
The Research Foundation for The SUNY on behalf of University at Buffalo
Project Title:
Alpha-Synuclein Active Immunotherapy with pS129 Nanoliposomes
Investigator Bio:
Dr. Jonathan Lovell is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. He received degrees from the University of Waterloo and McMaster University prior to his PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto. Dr. Lovell’s work has been recognized with awards including the NIH Early Independence Award, the Biomedical Engineering Society Young Investigator Award, the NSF CAREER award, and the Porphyrin Society Young Investigator Award. He is a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the editor-in-chief of Nanotheranostics. Dr. Lovell has co-authored over 250 peer reviewed manuscripts to date. He has focused on translational research efforts, with his nanoliposome-based technology platform having completed successful Phase 3 clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine, and currently in Phase 1 clinical trials for Shingles and RSV vaccines.
Objectives/Background:
The objective of this proposal is to test a new type of vaccine called spontaneous nanoliposome antigen particles (SNAP), which is designed to target alpha-synuclein (aSyn) accumulation, the pathological hallmark of PD. After triggering a strong immune response to aSyn, we will test whether it improves symptoms or slows disease in mice.
Methods/Design:
SNAP attaches small pieces of protein to the surface of tiny fat-based particles in a way that makes them stick tightly in a Velcro-like fashion. This design prompts the immune system to produce very high levels of antibodies, hundreds of times more than typical vaccine models. We developed the SNAP vaccine technology and have already tested three SNAP vaccines in human trials, with one completing successful Phase 3 testing that produced stronger immune responses than another leading vaccine. Now, we will test SNAP targeting alpha-synuclein in mice with Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease:
If successful in mice, we anticipate being able to develop the SNAP vaccine approach in human clinical testing. This should be facilitated by our previous advancement of the technology for other recombinant protein vaccines, including showing excellent safety and immune response in Phase 3 trials for a COVID-19 vaccine.