Development of a new therapeutic inhibitor for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Project Description
Our project is dedicated to creating innovative therapies targeting the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is linked to several cancers, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). What makes our initiative unique is its combination of advanced technology with a comprehensive understanding of viral biology, enabling us to develop targeted treatments that offer both effectiveness and safety.
A key aspect of our approach is the design of dual-targeting agents that specifically target EBV proteins. This precision not only enhances treatment efficacy but also minimises side effects compared to traditional therapies. We utilise fluorescent probes that can both detect and inhibit the virus, providing a promising pathway for treating EBV-related cancers.
The impact of our work is significant, particularly for communities in regions like Southern China, where EBV-related diseases are prevalent. By developing effective treatments, we aspire to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, ultimately improving public health outcomes. Our research holds the potential to transform how we approach EBV-associated malignancies, benefiting patients and their families.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is central to our research, integrating virology, oncology, and materials science. This synergy fosters innovative drug delivery systems and monitoring techniques, leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of viral infections and their treatments.
In addition to its medical implications, our project contributes to the broader research community by enhancing knowledge of viral behaviour and treatment mechanisms. It encourages further exploration into targeted therapies for other viral infections, showcasing the relevance of our findings across various therapeutic fields.
Our early-stage drug discovery efforts have already produced several high-impact publications in prestigious journals like Advanced Science, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A., JACS Au, Nature Biomedical Engineering, etc. These publications not only bolster our credibility but also support the transition of our research into clinical applications.
Recognition for our contributions includes four prestigious awards, such as a Gold Medal at the Invention Geneva and the HKBU Innovationem Award. These accolades highlight our achievements in developing EBV-targeting agents that can inhibit viral functions and track their localisation within infected cells.
By addressing the urgent need for effective treatments for EBV-associated cancers, our project aims to advance scientific knowledge while translating that knowledge into real-world health solutions. We hope to inspire future research and foster collaboration that prioritises innovative healthcare strategies for pressing global health challenges.
Project Investigator
Professor LUNG Hong Lok (Department of Chemistry)
Funding/ Award
- Innovation and Technology Commission - Innovation and Technology Fund
- Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks - Incu-Bio Programme
- The Innovation and Technology Commission - Technology Start-up Support Scheme for Universities (TSSSU)
Publications
- Chau H.F, Wu Y, Fok W-Y, Thor W, Cho WC-S, Ma P, Lin J, Mak N-K, Bünzli J-CG*, Jiang L*, Long NJ*, Lung HL*, Wong K-L*. (*co-corresponding authorship) (2021) Lanthanide-based peptide-directed Vis/NIR imaging and inhibition of LMP1. JACS Au (IF = 8.5) 1(7):1034-1043
- Zha S, Chau H-F, Chau WY, Chan LS, Lin J, Lo KW, Cho WC-S, Yip YL, Tsao SW, Farrell PJ, Feng L, Di JM*, Law G-L*, Lung HL*, Wong K-L*. (*co-corresponding authorship) (2021) Dual-targeting peptide-guided approach for precision delivery and cancer monitoring by using a safe upconversion nanoplatform. Advanced Science (IF = 14.3) https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202002919.
- Lo AK, Dawson CW, Lung HL, Wong KL, Young LS. (2021) The Role of EBV-Encoded LMP1 in the NPC Tumor Microenvironment: From Function to Therapy. Frontiers in Oncology (IF = 6.2) 11:640207.
- Lo AK, Dawson CW, Lung HL, Wong KL, Young LS. (2020) The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting BARF1 in EBV-Associated Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) (IF = 5.2) 12(7):1940.
- Hau PM, Lung HL*, Wu M, Tsang CM, Wong KL, Mak NK, Lo KW*. (*co-corresponding authorship) (2020) Targeting Epstein-Barr Virus in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Frontiehttps://scholars.hkbu.edu.hk/en/persons/HLLUNG2rs in Oncology (IF = 6.2) 10:600.
- Jiang L#, Lung HL#*, Huang T#, Lan R#, Zha S, Chan LS, Thor W, Tsoi T-H, Boreström C, Cobb S, Tsao SW, Bian Z-X, Law G-L*, Wong W-T, Tai WC-S, Chau WY, Du Y, Tang LHX, Chiang AKS, Middeldorp JM, Lo KW, Mak N-K*, Long NJ*, Wong K-L* (#co-first authorship, *co-corresponding authorship) (2019) Reactivation of Epstein–Barr virus by a dual-responsive fluorescent EBNA1-targeting agent with Zn2+-chelating function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. (IF = 9.4) 116(52):26614-24.
- Jiang L, Xie C, Lung HL, Lo KW, Law G-L, Mak NK, Wong KL. (2018) EBNA1-Targeted Inhibitors: Novel Approaches For the Treatment of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Cancers Theranostics (IF = 12.4) 8(19):5307-5319.
- Zha S, Fung YH, Chau HF, Ma P, Lin J, Wang J, Chan LS, Zhu G, Lung HL*, Wong KL*. (*co-corresponding authorship) (2018) Responsive upconversion nanoprobe for monitoring and inhibition of EBV-associated cancers via targeting EBNA1. Nanoscale (IF = 8.307). 10(33):15632-15640
- Jiang L, Lan R, Huang T, Chan C-F, Li H, Lear S, Zong J, Wong W-Y, Lee MM-L, Chan BD, Chan W-L, Lo W-S, Mak NK, Lung ML, Lung HL, Tsao SW, Taylor GS, Bian Z-X, Tai WCS, Law G-L, Wong WT, Cobb SL, Wong KL. (2017) Targeting EBNA1: A therapeutic approach for EBV-related tumour with tailor responsive optical imaging. Nature Biomedical Engineering 1: p0042. (IF = 26.8)
