WEP 2020 - Credited events catalogue WEP 2020 - Credited events catalogue-11.27 | Page 14

14 EVENT FORMAT Keynote 2020 Januar y 12-2 3 Rational Vaccinology: In Pursuit of the Perfect Vaccine DESCRIPTION Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) are a new class of therapeutic architectures, and this arrangement of DNA or RNA gives rise to unique properties. The emergent properties of SNAs are revolutionizing the way we study, track, and treat disease and in the process, laying the foundation for a new field of rational vaccinology. We are advancing this vision forward by treating solid tumors with immunostimulatory SNAs that activate an immune response against cancer cells. Additionally, because of their modular and programmable nature, SNAs can be designed to incorporate patient-specific antigens for cancer immunotherapy, highlighting the potential for developing SNAs as personalized medicines. Chad Mirkin will describe these advances and illustrate how rational vaccinology may improve human lives. SPEAKER Chad Mirkin Professor and Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University