DC09 – Ricardo Pereira

BRIEF CV

In 2021, I earned a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Porto. Before graduating, i completed a six month internship on Organic Chemistry, focused on molecular docking, small molecule synthesis and NMR-based structure elucidation.
Afterwards, I pursued a MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the University of Porto, graduating in 2023 with an academic merit award for achieving the highest final grade in the program. My MSc thesis, conducted in collaboration with the University of Porto and the pharmaceutical company Hovione, centered on developing an innovative method to assess the permeability of inhalation drugs. This work integrated an in vitro lung cellular model with physiologically relevant drug powder delivery.
After completing my MSc, in 2024, I joined Hovione as part of their Analytical Development Team, where I contributed to the development of methods for chemical and drug performance quality control.
These varied and enriching experiences have significantly enhanced my know-how in analytical, biological, and chemical sciences. I am eager to apply this expertise to the challenges of my PhD and further expand my skills in the field.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Protein bioconjugation is a powerful tool in drug design, enabling the creation of novel macromolecules with improved theurapeutic properties. Recombinant proteins can be engineered to act on biological targets or serve as carriers for drugs, and in some cases, fulfill both roles simultaneously. This strategy offers several benefits, such as improving systemic stability, increasing solubility, and activating immunostimulatory effects.
The research group I am part of has extensive experience in utilizing bioconjugation strategies. For example, given that certain tumor cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint interaction to evade immune responses, the group has developed a PD-1 mutant with enhanced affinity for PD-L1 to counteract immune suppression. This mutant includes an N-terminal moiety that enabled the selective functionalization of the PD-1 derivative with immunostimulant sugars without reducing its affinity for PD-L1.
This PhD project utilizes the same potential of protein bioconjugation to develop and study innovative and pharmacologically active bioconjugates. Specifically, the aim is to express and purify different isotopically enriched mutants of the PD-1 protein in E. Coli and conjugate them with anticancer and immunostimulatory compounds, including peptides and sugars. Biophysical techniques, including NMR spectroscopy, will be employed to characterize the resulting bioconjugates.

MAIN RESEARCH FIELD

Protein engeneering & Structural biology