Nicholas Vabrett

Nicolas Vabret, PhD

As people age, changes in the immune system can fuel tumor growth and reduce the body’s ability to respond to immunotherapy. One key contributor is the reactivation of transposable elements (TEs) – “jumping” segments of DNA that are normally inactive and have no function. In cancer, TEs can trigger inflammation and promote immune-suppressing cells, weakening the body’s defenses. Dr. Nicolas Vabret is investigating how TE-driven inflammation contributes to cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapy, particularly in older individuals.

Dr. Vabret’s research has shown that lamivudine, an FDA-approved drug used to treat HIV and hepatitis B, can block TE activity. In animal models of lung and colorectal cancer, lamivudine reduced harmful immune responses, slowed tumor growth, and improved survival. His ongoing clinical trial is testing lamivudine in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced cancers who are no longer responding to standard treatment.

This project will examine how lamivudine affects immune-suppressing cells and TE activity, providing valuable insights into TE-driven inflammation and offering potential strategies to enhance existing immunotherapy treatments.

Research Focus

Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, aging

Projects and Grants

Reverse transcriptase inhibition to deter pro-tumorigenic myelopoiesis in patients with solid tumors