Research
Breadcrumb
- RIT/
- Viral Genetics Lab/
- Research
VSV as an Oncolytic Agent
![Diagram of how VSV works as an oncolytic agent](/ferranlab/sites/rit.edu.ferranlab/files/images/paragraph/image-card/Development-of-VSV-as-an-oncolytic-agent-1.png)
Development of VSV as an oncolytic agent
A main aspect of our research focuses on how VSV evades the host immune response. Many human cancers contain defects in their innate immune response, leaving them susceptible to viruses. We are using our knowledge of virus immune evasion strategies to further develop VSV as an oncolytic agent to selectively destroy human prostate cancer cells.
Virus tools to understand innate immunity and age-related diseases
![The digram of Innate immunity aging-related diseases](/ferranlab/sites/rit.edu.ferranlab/files/images/paragraph/image-card/The-digram-of-Innate-immunity-aging-related-diseases-1.png)
Development of virus tools to understand innate immunity and age-related diseases in the C. elegans model system
In collaboration with Dr. Andrew Samuelson (Department of Biomedical Genetics at the University of Rochester) we are developing virus-based tools to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate the innate immune response and age-associated disease.
Targeted Molecular Imaging
![MRI image of cancer cells using fluorescence microscopy](/ferranlab/sites/rit.edu.ferranlab/files/images/paragraph/image-card/Lighting-up-Breast-Cancer-Cells-1.png)
Targeted Molecular Imaging: Lighting up Breast Cancer Cells
In collaboration with Dr. Han Schmitthenner (School of chemistry and materials science at RIT) we are testing targeted agents for triple negative breast cancer cells utilizing confocal fluorescence microscopy. We have excellent preliminary data and will be applying for grants in this area soon!
More detail: https://www.rit.edu/schmitthennerlab/