InnoCAR-T’s Science Objective
InnoCAR-T’s science objective is to use develop next-generation academic CAR-T products that address bottlenecks and deliver curative CAR-T-based tumour immunity with optimal and affordable care. Specifically, the project will:
- develop flexible, scalable and rapid CAR-T manufacturing capacity for academia. This work-flow will incorporate delivery systems, using novel techniques such as optoporation and photoporation, to effectively tailor CAR-T activity, e.g. through gene-editing. Further included are tailored polymeric nanoparticle drug delivery systems for ex vivo modification and in vivo optimization of CAR-Ts.
- develop various immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches, including gene knock-out and knock-in, gene-editing and tumour-localised production of checkpoint inhibitors, for incorporation into next-generation CAR-T formulations to overcome immunosuppression. Crucially, hereto we will identify appropriate targets using a unique cohort of pre- and post-treatment biopsies of (non)responding patients after CD19 CAR-T therapy.
InnoCAR-T’s Training Objective
InnoCAR-T’s training objective is to offer a cutting-edge multidisciplinary training programme that will enable outstanding young scientists to generate breakthrough ideas and assume leading positions in academia and industry. The training programme covers a broad range of scientific and technology development in immunology, CAR and antibody design, drug formulation as well as engineering. Training will be carried out in dedicated Doctoral projects and will include local as well as network-wide training events such as workshops and a summer school. The focus of the project is a high impact field, giving this project the best possible chance to deliver a cohort of outstanding fellows that can become future leaders in the fields covered in this application.