Nuestro grupo en IrsiCaixa se centra en el desarrollo de estrategias terapéuticas innovadoras contra tumores sólidos, con un énfasis particular en el cáncer de páncreas. El grupo integra enfoques inmunológicos, moleculares y traslacionales para diseñar y evaluar vacunas contra el cáncer basadas en partículas similares a virus (VLPs), con el objetivo de inducir respuestas inmunes antitumorales robustas y específicas.

The backbone of our approach is a versatile VLP-based vaccine platform specifically designed to present tumor-specific neoantigens. Prototype vaccines are then validated in preclinical models, including syngeneic murine models, to assess their ability to overcome the immunosuppressive barriers characteristic of pancreatic cancer. We have focused on both private neoantigens and clinically relevant public neoantigens, such as mutant KRAS, which is frequently found in pancreatic tumors and represents a promising target for personalized immunotherapy.

In addition, the group is actively involved in the validation of tumor-specific neoantigens, the optimization of vaccine platforms and the evaluation of immunological correlations in preclinical models. These studies include detailed immunophenotyping, functional assays and longitudinal monitoring of vaccine-induced responses to assess vaccine efficacy and durability.

The relevance of this work for ALIPANC lies in its translational potential and its alignment with the initiative’s goal of improving therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer patients. By contributing new immunotherapeutic tools and mechanistic insights, the group supports ALIPANC’s mission to promote collaborative research and accelerate the development of effective treatments.

In addition, our participation in dissemination activities and doctoral training ensures the sustainability and visibility of pancreatic cancer research within the broader scientific and clinical community.