Our research interests include the design, synthesis and investigation of compounds that can selectively target specific types of cells and initiate cytotoxic events in those cells. One strategy that we are exploring is to make compounds that can inflict a specific kind of DNA-damage in the cells that are to be targeted for destruction and chemically prime the immune system against those cells. We are also synthesizing compounds that can modulate the mechanism of cell death (apoptosis or necrosis) in targeted cells. Such compounds would have applications in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and can lead to a better understanding of autoimmune diseases.
