Redirecting T-cells For Immunotherapy Of Leukaemia And Lymphoma By The Expression Of A CD19-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor Using The PiggyBac Transposon Gene Modification System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$374,876.00
Summary
Most lymphomas respond to therapy but then relapse. Immune cells can attack and kill virus related lymphomas. However, most lymphomas are NOT virus related. We will create immune cells targeting these virus negative lymphomas by inserting artificial receptors into the immune cells. These receptors attach to the lymphoma and activate the immune cells. The immune cells will home to the lymphoma, kill lymphoma cells and persist in the body for many years, preventing lymphoma relapse.
Leukaemia-cancer cells have altered biochemical properties resulting in their high rate of growth compared to normal cells. One of these is augmented activity of enzymes called tyrosine kinases including members of the Src family. One called Lyn has been implicated in several leukaemias as well as cancer. We have identified a novel mechanism of down-regulating this family of enzymes mediated by small proteins. These may allow us to develop novel therapeutics for cancer-leukaemia treatment.