Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Health Science

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Sarah Poynter

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Current standard treatments rely on invasive surgery and chemotherapy, yet over 70% of patients relapse, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic options. This project investigated whether the body’s natural antiviral immune response can be harnessed as an anticancer strategy. Specifically, this study focused on the use of potent immune stimulant polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), that can activate antiviral signaling pathways and promote antitumor immunity. However, clinical use of poly I:C is limited by poor stability and low uptake into the cell. To overcome this challenge, nanophytoglycogen (NPG), a non-toxic, glycogen-based nanoparticle, was evaluated as a delivery system for poly I:C. Additionally, the impact of buffer conditions on complex formation and subsequent biological responses was examined. Six HGSOC cell lines (TOV1946, TOV2223G, OV866(2), TOV3041G, TOV3133D, and OV4485) were treated with poly I:C with and without NPG. Poly I:C-NPG generally induced greater immune gene expression than naked poly I:C, although statistical significance varied across cell lines. Buffer-dependent differences in poly I:C-NPG complex size were observed, but these did not affect subsequent immune gene expression in treated cells. Viability assays demonstrated cell line-specific cytotoxic effects; however, metabolic activity was largely preserved. Fluorescent microscopy confirmed class A scavenger receptor involvement in poly I:C uptake and demonstrated enhanced poly I:C delivery when complexed with NPG. These findings support poly I:C-NPG as a promising immunotherapeutic platform that enhances immune responses in ovarian cancer.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Spring

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Available for download on Saturday, April 10, 2027

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