Development of Novel Therapies for Autoimmunity By Antibody Engineering

The Lipchik Group is dedicated to pursuing science and investigates how the immune system senses and coordinates its response to inflammation. A stint in the lab provides training for careers in academia (graduate school, medical school) or builds entrepreneurial and technical skills for biotech and pharma. We are located in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

The use of immunoglobulin as an anti-inflammatory therapy was first discovered in 1981 when thrombocytopenia was treated with high-dose intravenous IgG (IVIG). Since then, IVIG has been shown to be therapeutically efficacious in over 100 different diseases. IVIG has many ideal therapeutic properties but suffers from several limitations, including the dependency on a human source and a prohibitively high dose (1-2 g/kg) requirement. Despite the known benefits of IVIG therapy, there have been limited advancements in the design, manufacturing, or formulation of IgG as an anti-inflammatory therapy. We will address this need by devising multiple innovative strategies to engineer recombinant immunoglobulins with enhanced therapeutic properties to reduce the required dosage and circumvent the need for a human source. These strategies include mutations for specific Fc receptor binding, self-assembled multimers of IgG for higher avidity, and the introduction of novel mutations for co-receptor engagement and activation with other biomolecules. The efficiency of these new formulations will be applied to classic models of inflammation and autoimmunity. This approach offers an innovative, scalable therapy to treat the 100 conditions where IVIG is effective.

No experience necessary. The only qualifications necessary are a curiosity for learning and a passion for problem-solving.

This is an ongoing central project in the lab and positions are available immediately.

· Work as an integral member of an interdisciplinary team of scientist including chemist and biologist to develop antibody-based therapeutics as part of our discovery programs. This is an expected commitment of a minimum of 10 hours a week in the laboratory.

· Develop and implement new methods to advance our antibody drug discovery efforts including modifications to, or improvements in design of antibodies.

· Development of novel platforms for the discovery and engineering of multi-specific and functional antibodies with novel activities.

· Plan and coordinate assigned research projects with graduate student or post-doctoral mentor and responsible for project performance and accountable for progress.

· Presenting original ideas for follow-up studies, and recommending utilization of new or revised techniques and procedures to obtain desired results.

· Presenting work periodically to the group, conferences both local and national, and through publications.

August 22, 2023