At the Napoleon Research Lab, the primary focus is on targeted immune system regulation. We combine organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, immunology, and chemical biology techniques to precisely modulate the dysfunctional immune cells and develop innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer and inflammatory disorders. Our research interests include targeted immuno-oncology, drug delivery, immune cell reprogramming and bispecific immune cell engagers. Our long-term goal is to establish a robust research program that takes a multidisciplinary approach to discover innovative drug candidates and translates them into clinics.
Selected Publications
- Napoleon JV, Zhang B, Luo Q, Srinivasarao M, Low P.S. Design, Synthesis, and Targeted Delivery of an Immune Stimulant that Selectively Reactivates Exhausted CAR T Cells. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2022, 61, e202113341.
- Napoleon JV, Sagar S, Kubica SP, Boghean L, Kour S, King HM, et al. Small molecule IKK activation modulator (IKAM) targets MAP3K1 and inhibits pancreatic tumor growth, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2022, 119, e2115071119.
- Luo W, Napoleon JV, Zhang F, Lee YG, Wang B, Putt KS. et al. Repolarization of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells for augmentation of CAR T cell therapies, Front Immunol. 2022, 13:816761.
- Napoleon JV, Alfar R, Zhang F, Raine EA, Wolt TA, Low PS. A Folate Receptor β-Targeted TLR7 Agonist Significantly Augments Checkpoint Inhibitor Potencies by Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells, J .Med. Chem. 2026,69, 5901-5912.
Grants & Funding
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) grant