2022 Graduate Studies Entrance Award
Project title: Generating reovirus variants with antigenically distinct σ1 cell attachment proteins to overcome neutralization by anti-reovirus antibodies during oncolytic therapy
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
Reovirus has a natural ability to infect and kill cancer cells. Although reovirus therapies are consistently well tolerated by cancer patients in human clinical trials, the overall effectiveness of these therapies is low and requires improvement. Throughout a cancer patient’s multi-dose treatment with reovirus, the immune system produces proteins called antibodies that bind to reovirus and prevent it from killing the cancer cells. The focus of my project is to generate different “versions” of reovirus that can evade neutralization by anti-reovirus antibodies during cancer therapy.
What impact do you hope this project makes once completed?
I hope that my project reveals the extent to which neutralizing antibodies limit the oncolytic potency of reovirus, and I hope to overcome this limitation with antigenically distinct reovirus therapies.
How has the support from Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology helped you?
The support of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology has made me feel incredibly valued as a new graduate student at the University of Alberta and has allowed me to become a part of a community of individuals who are making a positive impact on human health.
What is it about your field of study that speaks to you?
I am fascinated by the possibilities that oncolytic viruses present in research, and healthcare in general, and I am eager to take my studies in this thought-provoking direction.
What three words describe your research experience?
Investigation. Growth. Excitement.
What is your favorite distraction or hobby?
I love to sew and crochet in my free time.
What is one thing you cannot live without?
I cannot live without my cat, Nox.
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