Research interest
My interests include the discovery, engineering and in vitro characterization of high potential immunoglobulin fragments of therapeutic interest, and their subsequent advancement into the clinical translational pipeline. My expertise encompasses several selection technologies (e.g. Phage and Ribosome display), protein engineering, and the biophysical and in vitro cell characterization of protein drug candidates in a variety of formats (e.g. IgG, scFv-Fc, CAR, alternative scaffolds etc.)
Background
I worked as a Senior research associate in Protein engineering at Molecular Partners AG, a Zürich-based pharmaceutical company, where I contributed to the discovery of several therapeutic protein drugs (‘DARPins’) now in clinical phases. I joined the Hi-TIDe in 2015.
Research interest
In my PhD project, I am aiming to develop tools and resources to identify novel, non-TCR, pMHC targeting reagents with improved peptide-dependent selectivity. In concert, I am exploring the development of new in vitro phage display tools that will allow a better assessment of the potential cross-reactivity of any given pMHC-targeting molecule, whether native/orphan TCR, engineered TCR, or alternative binding reagent. With the focus on cancer neo-epitopes, the integration of these approaches may advance the development of personalized cancer therapeutics.
Background
I joined the Hi-TIDe as a PhD student in July 2020 after completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biochemistry at Charles University, Prague. During my master’s, I worked within the Laboratory of structural biochemistry of immune recognition at the Faculty of Science, where I focused on the preparation and characterization of novel bi-specific NK engagers with potential for cancer immunotherapy.
Research interest
I am particularly interested in the discovery and early stage development of immunoglobulins for therapeutic applications. I am excited to be involved in the development of innovative immunotherapies, conducting molecular and cellular biological procedures including the construction of phage display libraries, selections and screening, engineering, reformatting, production and the characterization of potential candidates.
Background
Prior to joining the LAbCore group (Hi-TIDe) in 2022, I worked for ten years on phage display platforms focusing on antibody identification, maturation and characterization. I participated in various bispecific and multi-specific antibody programs in biopharmaceutical companies including the κλ-body™ platform at Light Chain Bioscience (Novimmune SA), and the TREAT™ platform (Trispecific Engagement by Antibodies based on the TCR) at Ichnos Sciences Biotherapeutics SA.
Research interest
Playing with DNA and amino acids, adding some original and robust scientific ideas, and mixing everything well during a given time frame are a good starting point for me to discover and characterize new therapeutic molecules, and to assist in their future development. My expertise encompasses molecular biology, genomics, cell line engineering and cell culture protocols, mono- and bi-specific antibody engineering and the biophysical and in vitro characterization of therapeutic candidates.
Background
Prior to joining the LAbCore group (Hi-TIDe) in 2022, I worked for various biotech companies as a scientist involved with antibody and cell line engineering. The tools I developed have contributed to the progression of pipeline portfolios and have also led to the identification of several therapeutic antibodies.
Research interest
I have a keen interest in oncology treatments and diagnosis, and particularly in cutting edge Immunotherapies where molecular discovery and engineering can make a significant contribution.
Background
Prior to joining LAbCore (Hi-TIDe) in 2022, I worked as a Biological Engineer at the Marseille Cancer Research Center where I participated in the implementation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique for the monitoring of the effect of RPA on different models. I also worked at INRA where I helped construct genomic libraries for NGS to study the diversity of the plant microbiota.
Steven DUNN
Group leader
Human integrated tumor immunology discovery engine (Hi-TIDe)
Department of oncology UNIL CHUV
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne
Phone +41 21 692 59 51
Fax +41 21 692 59 95
E-mail
Biopôle
Ch. des Boveresses 155
CH-1066 Epalinges
Switzerland