RESEARCH OVERVIEW
The Kane lab specializes in the synthesis and bioconjugation of immune-modulating small compounds. These compounds may either elicit or suppress an immune response through a variety of immune pathways, but most often this is a Toll-like Receptor (TLR) pathway. Synthesis projects are generally focused on known immunomodulatory drugs and their derivatives or prodrugs which may release the active compound under physiological conditions. The specialties of the group range from small-molecule organic synthesis to bioconjugation and bioanalytical characterization.
Islets of Langerhans
Our lab has previously focused on protecting Islets of Langerhans using our linker pro-drug strategy. We are currently extending this research to other types of tissues.
Prodrugs
In addition to covalent modification strategies, we have explored the use of prodrugs that use localized catalysts to activate the drug at the transplant site. The two catalysts we have used include nitroreductase and Pd(0)-resins.
Linker molecule
We synthesize different linkers to adjust different variables regarding drug release as well as investigating new localized drug delivery strategies.
TLRs
We synthesize TLR4 and TLR7 agonists and antagonists in order to find more potent molecules with which to influence the TLR4 and TLR7 pathways.