On 12 March, the CaixaResearch Institute held its first public event with a lecture by Dr. Gabriel Rabinovich, Principal Investigator at the CaixaResearch Institute and a world leader in glycoimmunology.

In his presentation, “A Sweet Adventure from an Unexpected Discovery to the Design of New Therapies”, Dr. Rabinovich took us on a fascinating journey through his scientific career over the past 30 years. From a serendipitous discovery to its application in developing new therapeutic strategies with the potential to transform the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

The lecture was introduced by Dr. Josep Tabernero, Chairman of the Internal Scientific Committee of the CaixaResearch Institute and Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). He highlighted the importance of immunology research as key to developing new therapies and the impact the new Institute will have on the biomedical ecosystem in Barcelona.

Galectin-1: a key protein in immunity and cancer

The lecture focused on the crucial role of galectins, a group of proteins that bind to sugars on the surface of immune cells, modulating their function.

One of the key findings highlighted by Dr. Rabinovich was the unique role played by galectin-1, which has an inhibitory function that silences the immune response. Its almost accidental discovery sparked the researcher’s interest in its interaction with the immune system, leading him to delve deeper into its role in health and disease.

“We found that, in 90% of the tumours analysed, galectin-1 expression is significantly increased and this overexpression correlates with a worse prognosis in patients” explained Dr. Rabinovich.

This discovery led to the conclusion that galectin-1 blocks the immune response and favours tumour development. Later, through studies of different types of cancer such as melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer and colon cancer, Dr. Rabinovich’s team demonstrated that this protein not only enhances immunosuppression but also stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. This process, known as angiogenesis, in combination with its effect on the immune system, can promote metastasis and contribute towards resistance to therapies.

Galectins: the double-edged sword of immunity

Dr. Rabinovich also emphasised that the importance of galectin-1 goes beyond its role in cancer. Given its ability to regulate inflammatory responses, his team hypothesised that it might also play a key role in other pathological processes, such as autoimmunity, infections and even in physiological scenarios like pregnancy. In autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, galectin-1 could help to restore a balance and reduce inflammation.

Galectin-1 was therefore hypothesised to be “the sweet case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: it frustrates anti-tumour immunity, promotes metastasis and favours infection but also suppresses autoimmunity”.

These discoveries have positioned galectin-1 as a promising therapeutic target not only in oncology but also other diseases in which immune system regulation could make a difference in treatment and patient prognosis.

Towards new therapies based on immune modulation

Finally, the lecture addressed the development of therapeutic strategies to block galectin-1 in cancer and enhance its activity in autoimmune diseases. Dr. Rabinovich explained that, by blocking galectin-1, not only can we increase the immune response but we also observe a reduction in fibrosis and angiogenesis.

Among the initiatives underway is the development of an antibody capable of neutralising galectin-1, which could pave the way for new immunotherapies for patients with tumours resistant to conventional treatments.

The event concluded with a reflection on the impact this type of research could have on global health and how the identification of new therapeutic targets and advancements in immunology allow for more personalised and effective treatments.

A milestone for the CaixaResearch Institute

Dr. Rabinovich’s lecture not only marked his first appearance as a Principal Investigator at the CaixaResearch Institute but also a key step in consolidating the Institute as a leader in immunology research. With the support of “la Caixa” Foundation, the Institute aims to become a catalyst for innovation in the European biomedical ecosystem, focusing on projects that will transform the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the most challenging diseases of our time.

“Being part of the development of the CaixaResearch Institute and being able to establish part of my research group here is truly a challenge, a great honour and a privilege. A dream can only triumph over reality if given the opportunity, so now it’s up to us to put our heart and soul into making the dream of many come true at this Institute” said Dr. Rabinovich.

His involvement with the CaixaResearch Institute strengthens the centre’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation in immunology, fostering a high-impact scientific collaboration ecosystem. With events like this, the Institute aims not only to generate knowledge but also to share it with society, promoting scientific careers and raising awareness of immunology among the public at large.

You can watch the full lecture here: