Launch of LIT / DRFZ Joint Group “Experimental Cell Therapy”: Transferring Research Into Practice For Patients With Rheumatic Diseases

The aim of this group is to explore and develop the emerging disruptive potential of genetically engineered immune cells, including, for example, CAR T cells and Treg cells for the treatment of rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematodes and further inflammatory indications. The group is rolled out for an initial period of 5 years with a potential for prolongation. “I am excited to bring my experiences from academic and industry groups to translate the newest clinical insights into more effective therapies for patients,” Vander Mause says.

“We are launching an innovative pilot project that will establish a long-term partnership between two complementary Leibniz Institutes and advance the translational value chain,” says Prof. Dr. Philipp Beckhove, Scientific Director of the LIT, outlining the perspectives. Being primarily located at the DRFZ in Berlin with additional activities at the LIT, it will be embedded into a highly innovative and supportive scientific and clinical environment at both sites with their expertise in immune tolerance research, genetic engineering and GMP grade cell production (LIT), as well as cutting-edge technologies in molecular and cellular immunology, in vivo disease models and clinical cohorts (DRFZ/Charité). “The LIT–DRFZ joint research group will combine our institutes’ core strengths to advance novel genetically engineered T‑cell therapies that are precisely tailored to clinical needs and that improve patients’ quality of life”, states Prof. Dr. Markus Feuerer, Deputy Scientific Director LIT and Head of Research Division “Immunology”, mentoring the group from LIT side.

“This joint group creates an important bridge between the cell engineering and immunotherapy expertise of the LIT and the clinical and scientific environment of Charité and DRFZ. Rheumatology is entering a new medical era, in which cellular therapies may no longer be limited to cancer, but could fundamentally change how we treat severe immune-mediated diseases. With Erica Vander Mause’s technical expertise in gene editing, immune-cell engineering and translational cell therapy, we are bringing exactly the right capabilities into this rapidly evolving field, with the clear goal of moving innovative science closer to patients”, states Prof. Dr. Eicke Latz, Scientific Director of the DRFZ.

Both institutions are engaged in a strategic collaboration to improve the quality of life of patients with rheumatic diseases, close gaps in care and open up new avenues in cellular rheumatism therapy – by transferring research into practice.