Research
The Convergent Science Cancer Consortium for Immune Cell Engineering is focused on expanding the reach and effectiveness of CAR T cell therapies for both blood cancers and solid tumors.
Overview
Through four collaborative projects, the consortium is developing novel approaches to improve targeting, infiltration and function of CAR T cells in challenging cancer types.
Project 1: Development of allogenic CAR T cells that resist immune rejection
Sattva Neelapu, M.D.
Project 1 Leader
Professor of Lymphoma/Myeloma, MD Anderson
This project will address the many limitations of autologous CAR-T therapies, such as accessibility, affordability, wait period and manufacturing failures by developing an allogeneic CAR T approach that would be applicable to T/NK cell malignancies and other cancers while also resisting immune rejection by the recipient’s immune system.
Project 2: Development of multimeric NanoCART T Cells against AML
Rafael Casellas, Ph.D.
Project 2 Leader
Professor of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, MD Anderson
To address the challenge of lack of defined and targetable surface tumor antigens beyond B cell malignancies, we will target intracellular tumor antigens using a novel multimeric NanoCAR against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). By targeting several antigens simultaneously, we aim to reduce the chance of tumor escape and improve durability of response.
Project 3: Engineered T Cells for Solid Tumor Infiltration
Navin Varadarajan, Ph.D.
Project 3 Leader
Professor, University of Houston
We will tackle the barrier to migration and infiltration of CAR T cells into tumors by
- endowing them with synthetic receptors that enable preferential extravasation at tumor sites
- enabling expression of enzymes to degrade and remodel the extracellular matrix in pediatric neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma
Project 4: Metabolic Engineering for Colorectal Cancer
Andrew Jallouk, M.D., Ph.D.
Project 4 Leader
Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Jeffrey Rathmell, Ph.D.
Project 4 Co-Investigator
Chair of the Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago
This project will tackle metabolic dysfunction of CAR T cells in the tumor microenvironment by engineering them to enhance their expansion, trafficking and function in the tumor microenvironment and improve antitumor efficacy in colorectal cancer.