Domino Effect

Our project leaders are developing a treatment that blocks an enzyme (ELP3), crucial for the growth and resistance of cancer cells. Its action will trigger a dual effect : the self-destruction of tumor cells AND the activation of our immune system to eliminate them.

To grow rapidly and resist treatment, cancer cells massively produce specific proteins.
At the heart of this dynamic, an enzyme (ELP3) plays a decisive role. Figuratively speaking, it ‘provides the oil’ that keeps the tumor machinery running at full speed and enables it to survive attacks.

Cancer stem cells responsible for relapses are particularly dependent on ELP3 enzymes to change shape, migrate, evade the immune system, and resist treatments.

DOMINO EFFECT 1
The molecule developed by our project leader will act by blocking this enzyme.
This disruption in the production of growth and resistance proteins will weaken cancer cells to the point that they will self-destruct.

DOMINO EFFECT 2
The blockages caused by the treatment force cancer cells to emit signals on their surface.
These signals attract several “soldiers” of our immune system (T lymphocytes as well as NK cells), which then attack and eliminate the cancer cells.

Initially, the molecule will be developed for melanomas (Stages III and IV) to determine the optimal and tolerable treatment dose.
Subsequently, it will also target colorectal cancers, which have particularly high relapse rates (30–40% within three years).