Timothy Cripe Lab
The Cripe Lab is developing novel immuno-gene therapies for a variety of pediatric and adult cancers. We focus our efforts on clinically feasible approaches to impact patients as soon as possible. Most recently, we have leveraged the long-term trans gene expression of gene therapy based on adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer, with systemic administration instructing the liver to secrete into the bloodstream bi- or try-specific T or NK cell engagers. These proteins normally have a short-half life of about 2 hours that requires administration to be either a continuous infusion or frequent injections, which limits their clinical use. By using a gene therapy approach and essentially turning the liver into a “drug manufacturing facility," we achieve long lasting effects with a single dose. The technology has been licensed to Vironexis Biotherapeutics, Inc. who is conducing human clinical trials. We are further innovating on this platform to devise constructs that are less immunogenic and/or that can be turn off on demand. We are also exploring combination therapies to address heterogeneous expression of target antigens.
