Oleuropein is a phenolic compound present in olive (Olea europaea) leaves and fruits with antioxidant properties, among other bioactivities.
A functional immune system is a fundamental requirement for efficacious anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies. New cancer treatments seek to remodel the tumor microenvironment to counteract its immunosuppressive capacities in patients. This goal is directed to recover a competent immune system to obtain enhanced responses to cancer immunotherapies.
The reprogramming of myeloid suppressor populations is one of such strategies. We have carried out a detailed study on the reprogramming activities of oleuropein over mouse and human myeloid populations ex vivo and in vitro, as well as its capacities as an anti-tumor molecule both in vitro and in vivo.
These results prompt us to evaluate the adjuvant properties of oleuropein in combination with treatments blocking PD-L1/PD-1/PD-1anti-PD-1 interactions in lung and colorecta cancers.
We have demonstrated significant synergistic effects, leading to a notable reduction in tumor growth, and prolonged survival in mouse models of cancer, even achieving complete tumor regression.
ADVANTAGES
1. Oleuropein, a molecule with anti-inflammatory properties, substantially improves anti-PDL1/anti-PD1 treatments for the treatment of lung and colorectal cancers.
2. Oleuropein reprograms immune cells, leading to acquisition of anti-tumor capacities. This is especially effective in lung cancer models intrinsically resistant to conventional PDL1/PD1 blockade immunotherapies.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND MARKET OPPORTUNITY
In search of financial resources to continue towards clinical studies.
The objectives of the project will involve launching a start up/spin off company based on this development.
TEAM
Ester Blanco Palmeiro, Luisa Chocarro de Erauso, David Escors Murugarren, Grazyna Kochan.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
European patent application: EP23382523.1
CONTACT INFORMATION
Innovation Unit: bperezur@navarra.es