Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Research

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. İhsan GÜRSEL

THORLAB designs and translates next-generation adjuvants and antigen-delivery systems to make vaccines and immunotherapies more potent, durable, and accessible. Our toolbox spans TLR9-targeting CpG oligonucleotides, oil-in-water emulsions, nanostructured DNA/protein assemblies, virus-like particles (VLPs), and nanocarriers for targeted delivery. 

CORE R&D THEMES

• CpG ODN adjuvants & formulations. We develop human-compatible CpG formulations that drive strong type-I IFN and Th1 responses; our Methods in Molecular Biology protocol details robust IFN-α-inducing formats, and our earlier “CpG nanocarrier” work demonstrates nuclease-resistant, high-activity architectures. 

• Clinical translation (VLP vaccines). A CpG/adjuvanted, alum-adsorbed VLP displaying stabilized Spike plus N/M/E proteins has completed Phase I/II safety–immunogenicity evaluation—evidence of our end-to-end capabilities from design to clinic.

• Systems immunology. We map gene-network responses of immune cells to CpG and other adjuvants to rationalize combinations and dosing. 

• Cancer vaccines & adjuvantation. We review and develop delivery/adjuvant strategies to enhance therapeutic cancer vaccines (formulation, trafficking, T-cell quality). 

SELECTED OUTPUTS & IMPACT

• Peer-reviewed portfolio: 100+ refereed papers/chapters; multiple patent filings across adjuvants and delivery systems. 

• Bench-to-clinic path: Published clinical trial on CpG-adjuvanted VLP; validated protocols for CpG formulations used by academic and translational partners.