by Lupe Escoto | Jun 29, 2026
We aim to tackle pancreatic cancer dreadful reality by using in vivo and ex vivo models that faithfully recapitulate the genetic alterations commonly found in patients. In the lab, we have successfully developed and established orthotopic and metastatic syngeneic transplants using genetically-controlled organoids to then unravel tumor heterogeneity and resistance mechanisms from a very particular and unique context: the study of different single mutations in KRAS. This ubiquitous oncogene is altered in more than 95% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
by Lupe Escoto | Jun 16, 2026
The Glycoimmunology Laboratory, led by Dr. Gabriel Rabinovich and currently based at the CaixaResearch Institute (Barcelona), investigates immunoregulatory circuits mediated by lectinin a wide variety of pathological contexts, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases. This broad perspective reflects our overarching goal of understanding how glycan-dependent signaling pathways shape immune homeostasis and how their dysregulation contributes to the onset and progression of diseases. Within the framework of the ALIPANC consortium and our cancer-focused research, our work is specifically aimed at elucidating how these signaling pathways modulate immune responses and promote tumor immune evasion, with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.
A central area of research in our laboratory is the role of galectins and other endogenous lectins as key modulators of the tumor microenvironment. These proteins recognize specific glycan structures on glycoproteins and glycolipids, triggering signaling pathways that affect the function of T cells, myeloid cells, endothelial cells, and tumor cells. Through these pathways, lectins can promote immune tolerance, pathological angiogenesis, and stromal remodeling. Previous studies by our group and others have identified a prominent role for several members of the galectin family in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where they contribute to the establishment of a highly immunosuppressive and therapy-resistant tumor microenvironment. Building on this knowledge, our current and future research efforts focus on elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms driven by galectin–glycan interactions in PDAC, as well as on developing innovative strategies to therapeutically target these pathways.
by Comite Web | Nov 13, 2025
Our group at IrsiCaixa focuses on the development of innovative therapeutic strategies against solid tumors, with a particular emphasis on pancreatic cancer. The group integrates immunological, molecular, and translational approaches to design and evaluate cancer vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs), aiming to elicit robust and specific anti-tumor immune responses. Central to our approach is a versatile VLP-based vaccine platform, specifically engineered to present tumor-specific neoantigens. Prototype vaccines are then validated in preclinical models, including syngeneic murine models, for its capacity to overcome the immunosuppressive barriers characteristic of pancreatic cancer. We have focused on both private neoantigens and public clinically relevant neoantigens, such as mutant KRAS, which are frequently found in pancreatic tumors and represent promising targets for personalized immunotherapy.
In addition, the group is actively involved in validating tumor-specific neoantigens, optimizing vaccine platforms, and assessing immune correlates of protection in preclinical models. These studies include detailed immunophenotyping, functional assays, and longitudinal monitoring of vaccine-induced responses to evaluate efficacy and durability.
The relevance of this work to ALIPANC lies in its translational potential and alignment with the initiative’s goal of improving therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer patients. By contributing novel immunotherapeutic tools and mechanistic insights, the group supports ALIPANC’s mission to foster collaborative research and accelerate the development of effective treatments. Moreover, our involvement in dissemination activities and doctoral training ensures the sustainability and visibility of pancreatic cancer research within the broader scientific and clinical community.
by Comite Web | Oct 10, 2025
The Neoantigens and Cancer Vaccines group (NeoVaCan) is part of the IrsiCaixa Institute for Research on Immunopathologies, a center dedicated to the study of diseasesrelated to the immune system, ranging from viral infections, such as HIV or SARS-CoV-2, to cancer.
Our group focuses on the identification and characterization of neoantigens and tumor-associated antigens, with the aim of developing therapeutic vaccines – personalized or “off-the-shelf” – and other immunotherapies specifically targeting these antigens. In collaboration with the Virology and Cellular Immunology group of IrsiCaixa, we are co-developing preventive and therapeutic vaccines using a proprietary platform based on Virus Like Particles (VLPs).
However, our approach goes beyond the mere discovery of immune targets:
- We also study the host immune response to cancer through immunogenomic analysis of both tumor tissue and peripheral blood, with the aim of understanding the interaction between tumor cells and the immune system. To this end, we use multi-omics techniques combined with immune cell-based functional assays, which allow us to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate both anti-tumor immune responses and immune evasion. This knowledge is essential to optimize vaccine design and select the most effective therapeutic combinations.
- Although our neoantigen identification platform is adaptable to multiple cancer types, our main focus is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this context, the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial: rich in stroma, highly immunosuppressive and poorly infiltrated by immune cells. These features can limit the efficacy of therapeutic vaccines. For this reason, we investigate strategies to reprogram the pancreatic TME, focusing on a specific subpopulation of fibroblasts that promotes anti-tumor immunity through activation of the adaptive immune response.
https://www.irsicaixa.es/es/investigacion-e-innovacion/grupos-de-investigacion/neoantigenos-y-vacunas-contra-el-cancer-neovacan
by Comite Web | Jan 9, 2025
The Angiogenesis Group is part of the Oncology Area of the Biomedical Research Center of La Rioja (CIBIR), located in Logroño, Spain. As the name implies, the Angiogenesis Group focuses on the process of angiogenesis in relation to cancer and other relevant diseases in which hypoxia and pathological growth of blood vessels contribute to disease initiation and progression. The Group has contributed to the knowledge of a poorly understood family of angiogenic peptides, including adrenomedullin and the N-terminal 20 peptide of proadrenomedullin, through cellular and molecular biology as well as genetic (inducible Knock-out models) paradigms, characterizing their involvement in cancer and metastasis formation.
In addition, the Group is very interested in the discovery and application of biomarkers for the early detection of pancreatic cancer and holds several patents related to this topic. Due to its insidious nature, pancreatic cancer is often detected in advanced stages, which significantly reduces the chances of effective treatment. On the other hand, patients whose cancer is detected in early stages have a much higher chance of survival. Therefore, developing and validating a protocol for early detection represents today the best opportunity to increase survival among pancreatic cancer patients.
